28 May,2026 11:49 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. File Pic
BJP Kirit Somaiya on Thursday alleged that illegal animal slaughter for Bakrid was taking place in societies at several locations in Mumbai, including Mankhurd, Deonar and Govandi, and urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and police to take action.
Somaiya alleged that illegal qurbani rituals were being carried out in several housing societies and residential complexes in Mumbai despite designated locations being available nearby for animal sacrifice.
Somaiya wrote on X: "Dozens of places are allegedly conducting illegal qurbani at Mankhurd, Deonar and Govandi in housing societies and complexes. Bakrid qurbani is being carried out despite designated markets, shops and qurbani places being available nearby. BMC and police must act."
Niket Kaushik, Commissioner of Police, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV), said, "Police and the administration are on alert across the city today, and elaborate security arrangements have been put in place. Several namaz gatherings have concluded peacefully, and no untoward incident has been reported so far. The festival celebrations have commenced in a peaceful manner."
Speaking on the dispute over the sacrificial goat at a housing society, he added, "Differences among society members have been resolved, and there are currently no disagreements among them.
On Wednesday, during the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations, Mumbai Police confirmed that the ritual of goat sacrifice (qurbani) had been cancelled at a housing society in Goregaon following a clash between two communities over the issue.
Officials stated that the livestock would be removed from the society premises on Thursday morning to maintain law and order in the area.
Tension had prevailed at Satellite Gardens Phase 2 in the Gokuldham area as members of two communities faced off over the qurbani ritual. Residents had strongly objected to the practice being conducted within the residential complex.
Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid or the "festival of sacrifice", is being observed on May 28 this year. It is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
The date of the festival changes every year as it follows the lunar calendar, which is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Eid falls earlier each year in the Western calendar cycle.
The festival is regarded as a time of joy, reflection and compassion, during which people strengthen social bonds, forgive past grievances and engage in acts of charity and goodwill. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Abraham to make a sacrifice in obedience to God, symbolising faith and devotion.
(With ANI inputs)
