Hindutva men’s raid on a shop sparks communal tension; Muslim residents allege deliberate attempt to disturb peace ahead of Diwali
AKOLA – Tension gripped Baizpur area of Maharashtra’s Akola city on Friday after Bajrang Dal workers raided a local shop, claiming beef was being sold there. The situation quickly escalated when local Muslim residents confronted the group, accusing them of taking the law into their own hands.
According to witnesses, Bajrang Dal members “stormed” into the shop without any official authority, accusing the shopkeeper of selling beef. Residents objected to their behaviour, leading to heated arguments. “They started shouting slogans and abusing the shop owner,” said Mohammed Salim, a resident of Baizpur. “When we tried to stop them, they began provoking people. It looked planned.”
Soon, both sides began shouting slogans, and reports suggest that stones were thrown. Police, however, have denied that any major violence took place. “There was no physical clash,” said Police Inspector Rajesh Patil of Akola City Police Station. “A small crowd gathered, and some slogans were shouted. The situation was quickly brought under control.”
The matter reached the city police station as some individuals were detained for questioning. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bajrang Dal, and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) supporters gathered at the police station, chanting slogans demanding the release of their members.
In response, Muslim youth also assembled nearby and raised slogans calling for justice and peace. Local Congress MLA Sajid Khan Pathan rushed to the station and met police officials. “This is not the first time such an incident has happened in Akola,” he said. “Some groups are trying to divide people on religious lines. The police must take strict action against those who are spreading hatred.”
BJP leaders, however, defended the Bajrang Dal members. One of its leaders told reporters that the Hindutva members had acted “in the interest of protecting cows.”
By evening, police reinforcements were deployed around key areas, including the City Kotwali Police Station and Baizpur locality. “We have increased patrolling and stationed officers in sensitive zones,” said a senior police officer. “The situation is under control.”
Residents said there was visible tension across the city throughout the evening. Shops in Muslim-majority areas reportedly closed early as a precaution. “People are scared,” said Rashida Begum, a local schoolteacher. “Every few months, someone finds an excuse to disturb peace. It is always the poor Muslims who suffer.”
This is not the first such incident in Akola. Only a few months ago, the city had witnessed similar unrest after a provocative social media post led to violent protests. Stones were thrown, and police had to resort to lathi-charge to control the mob. Several police personnel were injured during that incident.
A police spokesperson acknowledged that the city remains under close watch. “We know there are people who try to create trouble during festivals,” he said. “Our teams are monitoring such elements closely. Anyone trying to disturb communal harmony will be arrested.”
Local Muslim leaders believe that these repeated incidents are part of a larger plan to create fear. “Every time there is a festival, some fringe groups try to provoke Muslims,” said Imran Qureshi, a community worker. “Instead of stopping them, police often end up detaining the victims. We demand impartial investigation.”
He added that such “raids” by private groups are illegal. “Only authorised officers can check meat shops,” he said. “But groups like Bajrang Dal take the law into their own hands, attack people, and yet go free.”
By late night, the police claimed that peace had been restored, though an uneasy calm prevailed in many areas. Additional forces have been stationed near sensitive locations, and movement is being monitored closely.
Locals expressed hope that authorities would act firmly against those who ignite communal tension. “We want to live peacefully,” said Shahid Ansari, a resident of Baizpur. “But peace cannot be one-sided. If hate groups are not stopped, how can harmony survive?”
The police have said that investigations are underway and promised action against anyone found responsible for disturbing peace.
As Akola settles under tight security once again, the incident serves as another reminder of how easily communal harmony can be shaken — often at the cost of innocent lives and livelihoods.
