Muslim leaders condemn statement as open incitement; rights groups warn such threats by elected representatives endanger peace, law, and constitutional equality
KANPUR — A senior BJP legislator in Uttar Pradesh has drawn strong criticism after issuing a public threat that directly targeted mosques, a remark that members of the Muslim community say amounts to open hate speech and intimidation.
Rahul Bachcha Sonkar, BJP MLA from the Bilhaur Assembly constituency in Kanpur district, went to the Bilhaur police station following an alleged cow slaughter case and warned officials to act within 48 hours. During his visit on Tuesday, the legislator made a statement that has caused deep shock and anger among Muslims.
“If arrests or strict action are not made within 48 hours, then if a pig is not found on the doors of all the mosques in this Bilhaur area, then my name is not Rahul Bachcha,” the MLA said, according to local media reports.
The remark came after Hindu groups staged protests over an alleged cow slaughter incident in the area. Protesters demanded immediate action against those accused. Police later sealed a slaughter unit linked to Rehman Qureshi and registered an FIR against eight persons for allegedly smuggling banned meat. A forensic team collected samples from the site for testing.
Senior police officials reached the area after the controversy grew. Joint Police Commissioner Ashutosh Kumar and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Kapil Dev Singh assessed the situation and Police Commissioner Raghuveer Lal ordered disciplinary action and suspended four police personnel for alleged negligence. Those suspended include Bilhaur Inspector Ashok Kumar Saroj, Outpost In-charge Premveer, Circle In-charge Aftab Alam, and Head Constable Dilip Gangwar.
Despite these steps, Muslim residents say the MLA’s words have caused fear and insecurity.
“A threat to throw pork in mosques is not politics, it is an attack on our faith,” said a local Muslim elder. “An elected MLA speaking like this at a police station gives a signal that Muslims can be humiliated without fear.”
Another resident said, “If a common person had said this, police would have acted at once. When an MLA says it, the silence becomes more painful.”
Civil rights activists also criticised the statement, calling it a clear attempt to inflame communal feelings. One activist said, “Such words from a lawmaker weaken the rule of law. Police are meant to protect all citizens, not act under threats.”
The MLA defended his stand while speaking to reporters, saying, “Cow slaughter should not take place on Indian soil. Stopping it is not just the duty of Hindus. If there is any humanity left, whether you are in uniform or in kurta-pajama, everyone must stop cow slaughter.”
Muslim organisations rejected this justification, saying the issue of alleged illegal activity cannot be used to threaten religious places. “The Constitution gives us the right to worship with dignity,” a community representative said. “No crime, real or alleged, gives anyone the right to insult mosques.”
Legal experts point out that statements targeting religious places can fall under serious criminal provisions. They stress that action must be based on evidence, not pressure or threats from political figures.
The episode has once again raised concerns about the safety of Indian Muslims and the use of aggressive language by those in power. Community leaders have demanded a clear apology from the MLA and legal action for his remarks, warning that silence will only normalise hate.
As investigations into the alleged cow slaughter continue, many in Bilhaur say restoring trust will require more than suspensions and seals. “We want justice, not threats,” a local Muslim shopkeeper said. “Peace cannot survive when our places of worship are spoken about like this.”
