Katangi, Madhya Pradesh, July 1: Members of the Hindutva outfits Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have been making provocative and inflammatory statements against Muslims in Katangi, Madhya Pradesh, causing fear and unrest among the minority community, Siasat Daily reported.
The tensions began on June 26, when locals discovered bones and remains of over 50 animals scattered across Tulla Baba Hill in Katangi. Suspecting cattle smuggling, VHP and Bajrang Dal members collected the bones and alerted the police. Residents believed the cattle had been slaughtered for their hides and meat, leaving the bones behind.
A team of police, municipal council members, veterinary doctors, and local officials arrived at the scene, collected the bones, and sent them for forensic examination. The administration later reported that the remains were not from cows and were more than two years old.
Jabalpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Aditya Pratap Singh confirmed, “The forensic results indicate the bones are several months old. Further action will be taken based on the full forensic report.”
Despite the findings, VHP and Bajrang Dal members rejected the administration’s report, staging protest rallies and accusing the district collector of foreign influence. Videos circulating online show Hindutva members making inflammatory remarks, threatening Muslim residents to vacate their homes, and using abusive language. Protesters were seen holding banners reading “Gao Mata k saman mai Bajrang Dal maidan mai” and issuing open threats against Muslims.
In response to the escalating situation, District Collector Deepak Kumar Saxena Singh assured protesters of a reinvestigation, which led to the clearing of a road blockade and the reopening of markets.
Recent incidents in Madhya Pradesh have also contributed to the unrest. On June 14, two people were arrested, and their houses demolished in Ratlam district after bovine remains were found at a local temple. On June 16, eleven houses of Muslim were demolished in Mandla for alleged illegal beef trade, and on June 21, two Muslim men’s houses were demolished in Morena district under the National Security Act for alleged possession of beef.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation in Katangi to prevent further incidents and maintain order.
