Karnataka: Bajrang Dal Activists Attack Muslim Meat Sellers in Shivamogga, 5 Arrested

Bengaluru: Five Bajrang Dal activists were arrested in Shivamogga district in Karnataka for allegedly attacking a Muslim trader for selling halal meat, even as the 'Boycott halal products' campaign by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal intensified in the state.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai appealed to people to celebrate Hindu new year Ugadi and 'Hosa Tadaku' festivals peacefully without disturbing law and order.

During Hosa Tadaku, which is celebrated a day after Ugadi, Hindus who prefer non-vegetarian food, cook meat and chicken. The Right wing activists have appealed to Hindus not to buy halal meat as it is already offered to Allah by Muslims and offering such 'stale meal' would be a disrespect to Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

On Thursday, two incidents were reported in Bhadrawati town one in Hosamane Police Station limits and another in old town police station limits, Shivamogga Superintendent of Police B M Lakshmi Prasad told reporters on Friday.

In Hosamane police station limits, five people went to the shop and demanded non-halal meat. When it was not provided, the shop was shut. They assaulted one boy in the shop on his head with their hands, he added.

Similarly, a case was registered in old town police station where some people went to Janata Hotel and told the owner not to sell halal meat. When a customer questioned, he was assaulted, the officer said.

"In both the cases, the same accused have been named. A case has been registered against them and they have been arrested. They are Vadivelu, Srikanth, Krishna, Sawai Singh and Gunda," Prasad said.       

In Bengaluru, the Chief Minister said he has given directions to the district authorities.  

"I have asked all the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of all the districts that people have to celebrate their festivals without disturbing the law and order. Directions given should be followed strictly," Bommai told reporters.      

He also said peace meetings have been convened with all the people concerned where they were told to ensure peaceful celebration of the festival.      

Intensifying their drive, Hindu outfits on Saturday too got down on the streets appealing to the Hindus to use only 'jhatka meat', which means killing any animal by stunning it so that the sacrificed animal does not undergo the much sufferings.      

The campaigners have tied up with Hindu meat vendors and have put up signboards of '100% jhatka certified' on the outlets.    

Hindu activists have even offered 10 per cent concession on the purchase of meat of Rs 200 and above and free home delivery within 8km of the outlet.

The activists stood outside temples with posters and banners offering Ugadi prasad and appealing to them not to use any halal product especially during 'Hosa Tadaku'.

Meanwhile, Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowment Minister Shashikala Jolle said whatever the Hindu outfits are doing is right.

No sale of raw meat in Ghaziabad during Navratra: Mayor

Ghaziabad: Selling of raw meat will not be allowed in the open during the ongoing Navratra, Ghaziabad Mayor Asha Sharma said on Saturday. 

The district magistrate clarified that licensed meat shops can run their business in covered kiosks during the nine-day-long festival.

"During Navratra, selling of meat will not be allowed in the open (across Ghaziabad) while it is banned (completely) near temples and in the bylanes where temples are located. Shop owners can cover the meat which they are selling. We are not here to help anyone incur profit or loss," Mayor Sharma told PTI.

She said this norm is followed every year.

The Chaitra Navratra began on Saturday and will continue till April 10.

Meanwhile, District Magistrate of Ghaziabad RK Singh told PTI, "Only licensed meat shops will be allowed to open their shops in covered kiosks following cleanliness norms. No shop owner will be allowed to throw animal carcasses in open areas."