Police say action was taken after the post created tension; scholars again urge Muslims to follow state laws and avoid provocative content online
NEW DELHI — Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur district have detained two Muslim men after a WhatsApp status related to Eid Al-Adha (Bakrid) sacrifice allegedly triggered controversy because it included the image of a cow.
The incident took place in the Laloli police station area, where police said they acted quickly after complaints were raised regarding a social media post that authorities believed could disturb communal harmony ahead of Bakrid.
According to officials, the two men identified as Gufran and Zainul Abideen had allegedly uploaded a WhatsApp status inviting people to participate in sacrificial arrangements for Bakrid.
The post reportedly appealed to people to “take part in sacrifice for Rs 3,200” and included the image of a cow, after which the matter became controversial and local Hindu organisations expressed anger.
Police said there were concerns that the post could create communal tension in the area during the sensitive period before Eid Al-Adha.
A senior police official said immediate action was taken to prevent any deterioration of the situation.
Uttar Pradesh Police detained both accused individuals and also seized their mobile phones for further investigation.
Officials said the phones are being examined to determine the intent behind the post and whether any other related material had been circulated.
A police officer associated with the case said, “People should avoid sharing provocative or sensitive material on social media, especially during festivals. Maintaining peace and harmony is everyone’s responsibility.”
Police also appealed to residents not to spread inflammatory posts or rumours online.
The case has once again highlighted how social media activity during religious festivals often becomes a source of communal tension in different parts of the country.
At the same time, several Muslim religious leaders and organisations have repeatedly advised Muslims to strictly follow local laws regarding sacrifice and religious practices during Bakrid.
Notably, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind’s chief Maulana Arshad Madani recently renewed his demand that the cow should be declared the national animal of India.
Over the years, several Muslim scholars and community leaders have also publicly appealed to Muslims not to violate state laws related to cow slaughter in states where it is prohibited.
Religious organisations regularly issue advisories before Bakrid asking Muslims to avoid actions that may hurt communal sentiments or create unnecessary controversy.
These guidelines generally advise people not to perform sacrifices in public spaces, not to upload sensitive videos or images on social media and to maintain cleanliness after sacrifice.
Community leaders also repeatedly stress that sacrifice should only be carried out at legally permitted locations and according to state regulations.
One Islamic scholar in Uttar Pradesh said, “Muslim organisations clearly tell people every year to obey the law of the land and avoid anything that can create communal tension.”
Another community member said many Muslims themselves oppose posting sensitive sacrificial images online because such content is often misused to spread hatred and provoke reactions.
“Most ordinary Muslims want Bakrid to pass peacefully. Social media mistakes by individuals should not be used to target the whole community,” he said.
The incident has also reopened debate over selective outrage and rising communal sensitivity around Muslim religious practices in India.
Some locals argued that while police action was swift in this case, hate speech and provocative anti-Muslim content shared online often do not receive equally strong action.
Political observers say social media has become one of the most sensitive areas for communal conflict, especially during festivals, where even small posts can quickly turn into major controversies.
Meanwhile, police in Fatehpur said the investigation into the matter is continuing and appealed to all communities to maintain peace ahead of Bakrid celebrations.
