Medak, June 22: Communal tensions flared in Medak district over the procurement and intended sacrifice of oxen for Bakrid by Minhaj ul Uloom Madrasa. Right-wing factions alleged that the animals were cows, considered holy in Hinduism, leading to confrontations that escalated into violence, injuries, and property damage.
On June 15, the madrasa purchased 30-40 oxen for sacrifice, grazing them near their premises. Around 10:30 AM, individuals from the Hindu community inspected the animals and accused the madrasa of intending to slaughter cows. Despite assurances from madrasa authorities that the animals were oxen, tensions rose, and a mob of 30-40 people, chanting “Jai Sri Ram,” arrived, demanding the animals be sent to cow shelters.
Police advised taking the animals to a veterinary facility for examination to verify their identities. The animals were moved to Kalyana Mandapam, a nearby Hindu marriage hall, under police supervision. However, additional animals later appeared at the hall, raising suspicions among the Muslim community.
The situation worsened around Madeenat Ul Uloom Madrasa when another mob gathered, leading to violent clashes. Right-wing groups launched attacks, resulting in severe injuries to several Muslims and vandalism of properties, including Orthopedic Hospital Medak. The hospital’s board and a doctor’s car were damaged, and patients and staff were assaulted.
Police response was delayed, arriving two hours after the violence began. They arrested 27 individuals from both communities, including local BJP leaders. Despite calming the situation, the sacrificial animals remain detained at Kalyana Mandapam, pending release after medical examination. The community continues to appeal for their release.
This incident underscores the fragile communal relations and the potential for violence over religious practices. The authorities are urged to address the concerns of both communities to prevent further unrest.
APCR Fact-Finding Report
The fact-finding team of the Association for the Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) reached Medak to investigate the incident. Their report provides a detailed account of how the violence unfolded.
Ruckus Before Violence Near Minhaj Ul Uloom Madrasa
On June 15, Minhaj Ul Uloom Madrasa bought about 30 to 40 oxen for Bakrid. Around 10:30 AM, a group of 6 to 7 individuals from the Hindu community inspected the animals, leading to a quarrel. They accused the madrasa authorities of preparing to slaughter cows. The madrasa authorities refuted the claims, asserting the animals were oxen, not cows. Despite informing the police, tensions escalated when a mob of 30 to 40 people arrived, chanting slogans and creating a tense atmosphere.
To resolve the issue, the police advised taking the animals to a nearby veterinary facility for examination. The animals were moved to Kalyana Mandapam under police supervision. However, additional animals appeared at the hall, raising suspicions among the Muslim community, who pointed out that the presence of new animals seemed like an attempt to support the right-wing narrative that Muslims were slaughtering cows.
Violence Near Madeenat Ul Uloom Madrasa
Around 5-6 PM, a mob gathered in Rahimabad near Madeenat Ul Uloom Madrasa. A similar situation occurred, with right-wing groups creating disruption and chanting slogans against the slaughter of animals. A chaotic situation erupted between both communities, leading to violent clashes.
During the clashes, BJP and BJYM workers launched attacks on Muslims and their properties, resulting in severe injuries to several Muslims. Orthopaedic Hospital Medak was also vandalized, and the staff and patients were assaulted. Dr. Naveen of Orthopaedic Hospital was assaulted, and his car was damaged during the attack.
Delayed Police Response
The police responded two hours after the incident began, arresting 27 individuals from both communities, including local BJP leaders. The situation was eventually calmed, and Bakrid was peacefully celebrated. However, the sacrificial animals remain detained at Kalyana Mandapam by the police, despite appeals from the Muslim community for their release.
The APCR report highlights the need for timely and effective police intervention to prevent such incidents and urges the authorities to address the concerns of both communities to ensure peace and harmony.
