Mumbai: Clash erupts at Mira Road society over goats brought for Eid sacrifice, heavy police deployed

Clashes erupt in Mira-Road amid `Bakra-eid Qurbani` (Pic/Screengrab from X)

Tension gripped Mumbai's Mira Road area on Tuesday after clashes broke out at Poonam Cluster Society when a group of residents allegedly objected to goats being brought inside the residential premises for sacrifice during the festival of Eid Al-Adha.

The conflict broke out when some residents opposed the entry of goats into the society compound, citing concerns over maintaining common-area regulations and hygiene. This soon led to heated arguments between two groups of residents, which escalated into a confrontation, creating panic in the locality.

Kirit Somaiya and other BJP leaders demand ban on ‘Qurbani' in open spaces

The incident comes in the backdrop of Kirit Somaiya's statement on Tuesday. Kirit Somaiya, along with other BJP leaders, on Monday wrote a letter to the BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide demanding a ban on ‘Qurbani' in public areas, including housing societies, chawls, and open spaces.

Following the incident, police officials rushed to the scene and deployed heavy security personnel to prevent any further escalation and maintain law and order. Police teams from the local station, along with additional forces, were stationed in and around the society as a precautionary measure.

The letter to the BMC Commissioner stated, "There are more than 70 markets and designated slaughtering places/shops in Mumbai where Bakri Eid-related sacrifices can be carried out. However, carrying out Bakri sacrifice in housing societies, chawls, and residential complexes creates practical difficulties for the municipal corporation, particularly in terms of management, sanitation, and cleanliness."

The leaders stated that allowing such activities in densely populated residential areas could raise sanitation and public health concerns, as well as cause inconvenience to other residents. They urged the civic body to issue clear guidelines and take preventive measures well in advance of the festival.

"No animal sacrifice (Qurbani) for Bakri Eid shall be permitted in any residential complex, housing society, or chawl, and clear instructions to this effect should be issued to all concerned officials," noted Somaiya.