Farrukhabad: A relief effort for flood-affected families in Raipur Chinghatpur village took a controversial turn after police arrested a Muslim village pradhan and two others for serving non-vegetarian biryani on Janmashtami.
Pradhan Mohammad Shami, his son Saif Ali, and party worker Traique Ali were taken into custody on August 17 following a complaint by a local resident. The complaint alleged that distributing non-vegetarian food near a temple-cum-relief shelter hurt religious sentiments.
Police registered a First Information Report against Shami, his sons Kaif Ali and Talib Ali, and aide Mohd Sami alias Mustakeem. They face charges under multiple sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, including promoting enmity between groups and intentional insult to provoke breach of peace.
Sub-Inspector Prempal of Kampil Police confirmed that both vegetarian and non-vegetarian biryani were served. He said there was no compulsion and people were free to choose their meals. He added that the investigation is still underway and decisions will be based on evidence.
Family members of the pradhan defended the distribution, calling the charges politically motivated. “His only concern was that flood victims should not go hungry,” said Sharique Ali, his brother.
Many villagers also expressed support for Shami, praising his efforts to feed families while official assistance has been delayed. Residents said relief work should not be turned into a communal issue.
The floods in Farrukhabad have displaced hundreds, leaving communities dependent on temporary shelters and local volunteers for food and aid.
