Ahmednagar: In Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district, an incident that sparked tension during Eid al-Adha has taken a new turn after police identified a burqa-clad woman seen dumping meat in a Hindu concentrated locality as a non-Muslim woman.
The controversy began on Eid al-Adha when meat was discovered in a garbage pile in Brahman Galli, an area largely inhabited by members of the Brahmin community. The discovery triggered concern among local residents and raised fears of communal tension. Following information from municipal authorities, police intervened promptly and prevented the situation from escalating.
According to officials at Kotwali Police Station, an investigation was launched immediately after the incident was reported. Police reviewed CCTV footage from the area and identified a woman wearing a burqa allegedly disposing of meat near the garbage heap.
To trace the suspect, investigators conducted an extensive search operation, examining footage from nearly 150 CCTV cameras installed across different parts of the city. Police also questioned several women who appeared in recordings alongside the suspect. After nearly two weeks of investigation, officers succeeded in identifying the woman.
Police said the woman identified herself as Swati Vikram Bhosale, a resident of Kamar village in Ahmednagar taluka. According to investigators, Bhosale earns a living through begging and supports her three children.
During questioning, Bhosale reportedly told police that she had worn a burqa on Eid and visited Muslim-majority neighbourhoods seeking food and alms. She claimed that someone gave her meat, which she did not wish to keep. According to her statement, she later carried the meat and disposed of it in a garbage pile in Brahman Galli.
“Swati Bhosale stated that she had gone to Muslim areas on Eid and received meat while begging. She later discarded it because she did not want it,” a police official said.
However, her explanation has prompted further scrutiny and calls for a more comprehensive investigation. While police have verified that Bhosale is a beggar, investigators are still examining why she chose to dispose of the meat at that specific location. Authorities are exploring whether the act was merely a personal decision or whether other motives may have been involved.
Reacting to the development, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kiran Kale questioned several aspects of the woman’s account. “Why was there a need to wear a burqa for begging? Does anyone normally distribute meat as alms on Eid? If she did not want the meat, why did she not return it or dispose of it elsewhere? Why carry it specifically to Brahman Galli?” he asked.
Kale further stated that the incident could potentially have been intended to create mistrust and tension between communities and urged police to investigate all possible angles. He called for anyone found responsible for a conspiracy, if one existed, to be identified and held accountable.
The case has drawn attention because Ahmednagar has witnessed previous incidents involving allegations of communal provocation. The discovery of meat in a sensitive locality on Eid had the potential to inflame tensions, though timely police intervention helped maintain peace and order.
Police officials have reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing and that all possible aspects of the case are being examined. Authorities have also appealed to residents to refrain from spreading rumours and to allow investigators to complete their inquiry.
While investigators have confirmed that the woman seen in the CCTV footage was not a Muslim despite wearing a burqa, the motive behind her actions has yet to be conclusively established. The findings of the ongoing investigation are expected to determine whether the incident was an isolated act or part of a broader attempt to provoke communal discord.
