Gaya resident faces discrimination and bureaucratic hurdles in retrieving seized cows; religious concerns complicate the matter
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – For Bablu Qureshi, a Muslim residing in Bihar’s Gaya, cow rearing has become a scary and increasingly complicated endeavour. Despite being an essential part of his livelihood, the local Municipal Corporation has seized his cows, raising questions about discrimination, bureaucracy, and the difficulties faced by Muslims in India regarding cow ownership.
Bablu Qureshi, like many others in rural India, earns a living by rearing cows. However, unlike many of his non-Muslim counterparts, Qureshi has found himself entangled in a web of obstacles, where simply owning cows has brought unwanted scrutiny. In a region where cows hold religious and cultural significance, being a Muslim cow owner adds an extra layer of complexity.
It all began on September 23 when two of Qureshi’s heifers were caught by the Municipal Corporation for wandering in the streets. When the cows did not return by evening, Qureshi’s search led him to the Khajuti Gaushala (cow shelter) in Bodh Gaya, where he found his cows. However, the municipal authorities informed him that his cows would not be released without paying a fine. Qureshi complied, paying a sum of Rs 5,000 for the release of the two cows, as documented by two separate receipts.
But to his dismay, after paying the fine and acquiring a release letter from the city manager, the cow shelter officials refused to release the cows. The staff’s reasoning? Bablu Qureshi’s name — immediately identified as a Muslim. It was implied that this was the reason for the refusal.
The refusal to release Qureshi’s cows despite official documents sparked outrage. When Qureshi pressed the cow shelter employees for a reason, they ambiguously stated, “You can understand why we can’t give you the cows.” This vague response left Qureshi and his family stunned and disheartened.
While the Municipal Corporation catches stray cows and typically releases them upon payment of fines, the additional demand for “proof of ownership” specifically for Qureshi’s cows is unusual. No such proof was required earlier, raising suspicions of discrimination.
Qureshi’s local ward councillor, Islam Ahmed, tried to assist him. Even with official support, there has been little progress. Former ward councillor Mohammad Shams alias Juni also tried to intervene on Qureshi’s behalf, but the Municipal Corporation remained steadfast in its refusal to release the cows without further evidence of ownership.
For Bablu Qureshi and his family, this situation is not just about two cows — it’s about their livelihood. Cows are central to their survival, providing milk and dairy products that help sustain the household. Adding to the distress, the seized cow is pregnant, making the situation even more dire as her condition requires constant attention and care.
Qureshi says that this isn’t the first time he has had to pay fines to the Municipal Corporation for his cattle. Four months ago, the authorities took one of his calves, but no proof of ownership was demanded and the calf was returned after fine payment. This inconsistency further raises questions about whether the recent actions of the Municipal Corporation are motivated by the fact that Qureshi is Muslim.
Relatives of Qureshi, including his family and neighbours, are outraged. They see the Municipal Corporation’s demands for proof as a thinly veiled form of discrimination, especially since other local, non-Muslim cattle owners have had their animals released with minimal hassle. They argue that this is not just a bureaucratic issue but a reflection of the communal tensions simmering in parts of the country, where cow ownership by Muslims is often viewed with suspicion.
The city officials, however, present a different narrative. When contacted, Municipal Commissioner Kumar Anurag stated that the Municipal Corporation regularly impounds stray animals and releases them only after fines are paid and ownership is verified. He clarified that if Qureshi cannot provide the necessary evidence, he can file a case with the police, and after an investigation, the ownership can be verified.
In contrast, when approached, City Manager Asif Siraj claimed to have no knowledge of the situation, further complicating the matter. This bureaucratic runaround has left Qureshi frustrated, questioning whether the rules are being applied equally to all citizens or if his Muslim identity is playing a role in the continued seizure of his cows.
This incident is not isolated. Across the country, particularly in states with strong anti-cow slaughter laws, Muslims have faced challenges when it comes to cattle ownership. While the cow is revered by many in the Hindu community, for others, including Muslims and other minorities, cows represent economic survival.
The overlap of religious, economic, and political dynamics around cow protection laws has made cow rearing particularly risky for Muslims. In many instances, Muslims who rear cows have faced allegations of cow slaughter, even if their primary intention is dairy farming.
Bablu Qureshi’s plight sheds light on how the simple act of owning and rearing cows can become a dangerous occupation for Muslims, entangled in a web of legal and societal prejudices. His case raises important questions about religious discrimination and the unequal application of laws in modern India.
For Bablu Qureshi, the journey to retrieve his cows is far from over. He visits the municipal corporation daily in hopes of reclaiming what is rightfully his. The discrimination he faces is not only a personal battle but a broader reflection of the challenges that many Muslims in India encounter, particularly when it comes to practices like cow rearing.
Qureshi’s story highlights the precarious position that many Muslims find themselves in within the socio-political landscape of contemporary India, where age-old traditions of cow rearing collide with religious tensions and bureaucratic barriers. Whether justice will be served in this particular case remains to be seen, but Qureshi’s experience will resonate with many who face similar struggles across the country.
