27 May,2026 01:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has issued a strong warning, stating that municipal authorities would be held responsible if goats are slaughtered inside housing societies. Pic/ Screengrab
As the Bakrid sacrifice begins on Wednesday, several housing societies in Mumbai are reportedly on alert amid concerns that ritual slaughter may be carried out within residential premises.
Police have stepped up security and deployed bandobast in sensitive areas, including societies in Ghatkopar and Goregaon East, to prevent any law-and-order situation.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has issued a strong warning, stating that municipal authorities would be held responsible if goats are slaughtered inside housing societies. He said strict enforcement of rules is necessary and questioned how goats were allowed inside residential complexes.
"I have told the officials of the municipal corporation and the Municipal Commissioner that if any goats are slaughtered in housing societies, the municipal corporation will be held responsible. The police should also ensure that rules are not violated. How did the goats reach here? How were they kept in society? You must have seen what happened in Mira-Bhayandar yesterday," Somaiya said.
Somaiya visited Sagar Park Society in Ghatkopar West, where tensions had reportedly emerged over the presence of sacrificial goats in the premises ahead of Eid al-Adha. According to him, some residents expressed fear, alleging threats in the area. He also claimed that around 22 goats kept in a shed were taken into custody by the municipal corporation.
The BJP leader said that while religious practices should be respected, sacrifices must be conducted only at locations officially designated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
"Sacrifice (Qurbani) will definitely take place and it should take place, but it must be done at places designated by the municipal corporation. No one should use religion as a cover to spread âreligious mafia' activities by carrying out sacrifices inside residential localities. Action should be taken against this," he said.
Somaiya further stated that rules and discipline must be maintained across the city during the festival period. He reiterated that he had already instructed civic officials to ensure proper arrangements and strict monitoring.
"If even a single goat is tied inside any housing society, the municipal commissioner will be held responsible. The police are also responsible for ensuring that no rules are violated," he said, referring again to a similar incident reported in Mira-Bhayandar.
