Following the arrest of seven accused in Ambadochar village, Hindu organisations demand FIRs against 20 more, including Muslim Panchayat officials
KHARGONE, Madhya Pradesh — Communal tension has gripped Khargone district in Madhya Pradesh following protests by Hindu organisations over an alleged cow sacrifice during Bakrid in Ambadochar village. The incident has led to the arrest of seven individuals and has now escalated as Hindu groups demand police action against at least 20 more people, including prominent members of the local Muslim community. This has led to an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among Muslims in the region.
On the day of Bakrid, reports surfaced accusing certain villagers of sacrificing cows — a practice strictly prohibited under Madhya Pradesh’s stringent cow protection laws. The police acted promptly, detaining seven suspects and recovering 32 kilograms of cow meat, as well as remains of a calf, according to the official police statements. However, Hindu groups remain unsatisfied with the pace of the investigation and are demanding more arrests.
A week after the initial arrests, Hindu organisations took their protest to the Chainpur police station by organising a ‘Gau Nyay Yatra’, a march on foot from Ambadochar to the police station. The rally saw protesters vociferously demanding that the police register FIRs against more than 20 individuals allegedly involved in the incident. Among those named by the Hindu groups are Sameer Khan, the assistant secretary of the Gram Panchayat Ambadochar, and Deputy Sarpanch Sattar.
“We want justice. The police have only arrested a few, but more people were involved. If the law does not act against all the accused, it will encourage such crimes,” said a spokesperson from one of the protesting Hindu organisations. They further demanded that bulldozers be deployed to demolish the houses of the accused, a move that has sparked alarm among Muslim residents.
The demand to target Muslim leaders and run bulldozers on their homes is being viewed by many as a blatant attempt to intimidate the minority community rather than an impartial call for justice. Locals have expressed concern over the increasing communal bias that seems to be influencing the investigations and law enforcement in the area.
A local Muslim, requesting anonymity out of fear for his safety, said, “We are deeply worried. This is not just about cow slaughter anymore; it feels like a witch hunt against our community. People who have no link to this case are being dragged into the protests. It is frightening to live under such pressure.”
The police claim they are conducting a thorough investigation and promise strict action against all those involved. However, community leaders and activists argue that the current atmosphere is heightening communal divides and risking the fragile harmony that has existed in the region for decades.
“We urge the authorities to be fair and just. It is important that law enforcement acts on evidence, not communal pressure. Innocent people, especially from the Muslim community, should not suffer because of the biased demands of some groups,” said a local social worker who has been working to maintain peace in Khargone.
In recent times, incidents like this have become a pattern where cow protection laws are used as a pretext for targeting Muslims and stoking communal hatred. Experts warn that this not only harms the social fabric but also puts the lives and livelihoods of minority communities at risk.
“The selective targeting and accusations without proper investigation undermine the rule of law and communal harmony,” commented a legal expert specialising in minority rights. “It is essential for the police and government to ensure impartiality to prevent further escalation of tensions.”
Meanwhile, the situation in Ambadochar remains tense, with many minority community members living in fear of harassment or worse. The local administration has deployed additional police personnel to keep a check on any untoward incidents.
With Hindu groups continuing their protests and demands, the risk of communal clashes looms large. Voices from within the community and beyond are calling for calm, reason, and respect for the law to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.
As the story develops, investigations must remain transparent and fair, protecting the rights of all citizens regardless of religion, and upholding India’s constitutional promise of equality and justice for all.
