Communal tensions rise over cow slaughter claims, but the report reveals a different story
NEW DELHI/MATHURA – Tensions flared in parts of Uttar Pradesh following allegations of cow slaughter on Eid-Al-Azha, with religious leaders issuing inflammatory statements and fringe groups creating unrest. However, fresh evidence and a necropsy report from a separate incident in Mahoba District suggest that the claims may be part of a larger attempt to stir communal discord.
On 7 June, the day of Eid-Al-Azha (Bakrid), allegations of cow slaughter near an Idgah on the Govardhan-Barsana Road in Mathura prompted members of Hindu groups to gather and raise slogans. In response, the local police swiftly registered a First Information Report (FIR) against more than 70 individuals and deployed a heavy police force to prevent any escalation.
Amid these tensions, a controversial statement by Indresh Kaushik, a self-proclaimed Hindu religious leader from Ayodhya, caused further uproar.
“If they [Muslims] continue this behaviour, we will remove the white caps from their heads and the beards from their faces,” Kaushik said, speaking to a group of reporters. He accused Muslims of disrespecting Hindu sentiments by allegedly slaughtering cows on public roads and claimed, without evidence, that blood was found scattered across Mathura’s streets.
Members of the Muslim community in Mathura have denied any wrongdoing and called for a fair investigation. “We have full faith in the law. If the police investigate impartially, the truth will come out. We have not done anything illegal or wrong,” said Mohammad Shafi, a resident.
Community leaders expressed concern over the atmosphere of fear created by such threats. “These comments are dangerous and could lead to violence. We appeal to all communities to maintain peace and not fall for provocations,” said Qari Sameer, a cleric in the region.
In a separate but related incident in the Mahoba district, panic spread after the severed head of a cow was discovered in a local park behind Kashiram Colony. Allegations quickly surfaced, primarily from Gau Rakshaks (cow protection) groups, that Muslims had slaughtered the animal.
However, the situation took a significant turn after a postmortem report debunked the claims.
Mahoba Police confirmed that the report showed the cow had died approximately 48 hours before its head was found – suggesting the death occurred on 5 or 6 June, whereas Eid was observed on 7 June. The report also noted signs that the remains had been dragged to the location by animals, likely dogs.
“The report indicates that the cow was not slaughtered on Eid day. We found evidence of the remains being dragged. We are investigating further, but the immediate claim of cow slaughter by any group appears unfounded,” said SP Aparna Gupta of Mahoba Police.
Despite the police findings, the chief of a cow vigilante group, Awadhesh Sharma, maintained that he was informed about the incident by locals and demanded action.
“When we arrived at the park, we found the cow’s head. Locals were saying Muslims had done it. But no one was willing to name anyone specifically,” Sharma said.
His claims were further weakened by the lack of eyewitnesses and contradictory statements from the local community.
The twin incidents have raised serious concerns about the deliberate use of cow slaughter claims to stoke communal unrest. Civil society members and rights organisations fear such provocations may be part of a broader effort to polarise communities ahead of local elections or to consolidate support for fringe groups.
“It appears to be a well-thought-out conspiracy to target a specific community and create a rift in society,” said social activist Anjali Verma. “Statements like those made by Indresh Kaushik are deeply irresponsible and pose a threat to India’s secular fabric.”
Authorities in both Mathura and Mahoba have assured that investigations are ongoing and urged the public not to spread unverified information. Senior police officers confirmed that surveillance footage and forensic tests are being reviewed.
Meanwhile, local leaders and peace committees have initiated dialogue across both communities to maintain calm.
“We are trying to ensure no one takes the law into their own hands. Religion should never be used as a tool to divide us,” said District Magistrate Navneet Chahal of Mathura.
