17 Jun. 24: In a proactive measure to maintain communal harmony ahead of Eid al-Adha, Maulvi Abdul Rahim Rathod, a 54-year-old scholar from Bharuch, Gujarat, has been arrested for allegedly including the cow in a list of animals designated for ritualistic sacrifice. This arrest comes amidst heightened sensitivity surrounding religious sentiments and follows Rathod’s previous legal entanglements related to tribal conversions and communal tensions in the district.
The Bharuch district police acted swiftly on a complaint filed by Police Sub-inspector RA Aswar, invoking sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the IT Act, citing Rathod’s social media post as potentially instigating communal discord. Superintendent of Police Mayur Chavda emphasized the arrest as a preventive measure to forestall any law and order disruptions, particularly with upcoming festivals like Eid al-Adha and the Rath Yatra.
Rathod, who had previously been granted bail in a case under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, now faces charges of promoting enmity between different groups, deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and intentional insult to provoke breach of peace. The police have also escalated vigilance on cattle transportation to prevent illegal slaughtering activities, underscoring their commitment to maintaining peace and order in the region.
