– Zaina Aman
26 Jun. 24: The Uttar Pradesh police have taken into custody a café owner in Moradabad on charges of purportedly selling “beef burgers”. The Afghan Café, located on Jama Masjid-Prince Road and operated by Naved Qureshi (32), was promptly sealed by authorities after the discovery of beef burger listings on its menu.
The action followed a complaint filed by Abhinav Bhatnagar, a leader associated with the Bajrang Dal. Upon receiving the complaint, Kuldeep Kumar, station in-charge of Mughalpura, visited the café where he reportedly seized the incriminating menu and subsequently ordered the establishment’s closure.
Expressing outrage over the alleged sale of beef burgers, Bhatnagar, who serves as the Moradabad unit convener of Bajrang Dal, led a demonstration alongside other activists at the Mughalpura police station. “Sale of beef burgers has hurt our religious sentiments. It is yet another attempt by a minority community member to provoke us. We will not tolerate such practice aimed at vitiating the communal amity of the town,” stated Bhatnagar.
The incident has sparked debate over religious sentiments and dietary practices in the region. The police have assured further investigation into the matter, while the café remains closed pending legal proceedings.
