Village head Mohammad Shami and his sons accused of religious corruption while providing flood relief; two arrested amid political rivalry allegations
FARRUKHABAD – A controversy has unfolded in Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh, placing Muslim village head Mohammad Shami and his family at the centre of a heated debate. The whole episode is being dubbed as “biryani jihad” by some Hindutva elements on the lines of ‘love jihad’, ‘spit jihad’ and other kinds of systematic campaigns to malign the Muslim community.
Shami, his sons, Mohammad Saif Ali and Talib Ali, along with four others, are being accused of distributing non-vegetarian biryani during Janmashtami, an act some claim was intended to corrupt local religious practices. Two of the accused have been arrested, and authorities are collecting evidence as the case unfolds.
The complaint was filed by Sunil, a resident of Raipur Chinhat Pur, who alleged that Shami and his family deliberately served non-vegetarian food to villagers on a sacred Hindu festival. Sunil told police that the act was “an attempt to mislead people and interfere with their religious beliefs.”
However, Shami Mohammad has strongly denied all allegations. “We did not distribute any biryani on Janmashtami,” Shami stated. “Our boat was providing food aid to flood-affected villagers across more than two dozen villages in the Kampil police station area. People from Rampur came and collected food from us. This complaint is purely a result of political rivalry against me and my family.”
The Kampil region of Farrukhabad has been severely affected by flooding this year, leaving thousands of villagers in urgent need of assistance. Shami Mohammad, in his role as village head, has been coordinating food distribution and relief efforts with local volunteers and social workers.
On the day of the incident, Shami’s boat was delivering essential food supplies to flood-affected households. Witnesses from nearby villages reported that the aid consisted mainly of vegetarian meals, and that the focus was on helping those struggling in difficult conditions rather than influencing religious practices.
“Shami Sahab has always helped the villagers in times of need,” said Razia Begum, a resident of a nearby village. “During the floods, he and his team worked day and night to ensure everyone received food. It is painful to see him being falsely accused while he was helping people.”
The Additional Superintendent of Police, Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh, confirmed that a report had been lodged based on Sunil’s complaint. “Raipur Chinhat Pur resident Sunil came to the police station and alleged that Mukhiya Shami Mohammad and his sons distributed non-vegetarian biryani on Janmashtami,” Dr Singh said. “A report was registered, and two accused have been arrested so far. Evidence is being collected, and legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty.”
Despite the arrests, local villagers have expressed concern that the accusations are politically motivated. Some believe that Shami’s proactive flood relief work may have attracted opposition from certain groups who seek to discredit him.
“Every year, Shami Sahab organises food for villagers regardless of religion, especially during crises like floods,” said Mohammed Iqbal, a local teacher. “It is unfortunate that his humanitarian work is being twisted into allegations of religious corruption.”
The controversy has sparked discussion across the district, highlighting tensions in communities where religious and political dynamics intersect. While police continue their investigation, many local Muslims have voiced support for Shami Mohammad, recognising his longstanding efforts to help all residents.
“Shami Mohammad has never been involved in any religious controversy before,” stated Amina Khan, a community activist. “He has spent years assisting the poor, especially during natural disasters. The idea that he would harm anyone’s faith is completely baseless.”
As the case develops, villagers and social workers continue to provide aid to flood-affected families. Authorities have urged patience while evidence is being gathered, emphasising that due process must be followed to ensure justice for all parties.
“Legal procedures will decide the truth,” said Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh. “Our priority is to investigate the matter thoroughly and take action against anyone proven guilty. Meanwhile, relief operations continue in the affected areas.”
This incident underscores the vulnerability of community leaders who actively assist their communities amid political rivalries. As investigations proceed, Shami Mohammad and his supporters hope that the allegations will be rubbished quickly, allowing him to continue his work helping those in need.
For now, Farrukhabad remains attentive to the unfolding situation, with villagers, officials, and local social workers closely monitoring developments while continuing relief efforts for the flood-affected villagers.
