Akola: Tensions escalated in Maharashtra’s Akola city after members of the Hindu nationalist group Bajrang Dal stormed a Muslim-owned meat shop on Friday, accusing the owner of selling beef. The incident occurred in the Baizpur area, where witnesses said a group of Hindu men entered the shop shouting anti-Muslim slogans and verbally abusing the owner.
“They came in shouting, calling him a beef seller, abusing him,” said local resident Mohammed Salim. “When we tried to stop them, they began provoking people. It looked planned.” Police later confirmed that no major violence took place and that officers quickly brought the situation under control. Inspector Rajesh Patel said several people were detained for questioning.
Following the detentions, protests erupted outside the police station. Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bajrang Dal, and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanded their release, while Muslim youth gathered nearby calling for justice. Local Congress MLA Sajid Khan Pathan accused right-wing groups of attempting to divide communities. “This is not the first time such incidents have happened in Akola. Police must act against those spreading hatred,” he said.
By evening, police reinforcements were deployed, and several Muslim-owned shops closed early. “People are scared,” said teacher Rashida Begum. “Every few months peace is disturbed, and it’s always poor Muslims who suffer.”
The Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of the VHP, is linked to the RSS-led Sangh Parivar network. The group claims to protect Hindu culture but has faced multiple accusations from human rights groups for violence against Muslims under the pretext of “cow protection.”
