Following violence triggered by allegation of cow slaughter, Madhya Pradesh police arrest Muslim butchers including a Congress leader
DAMOH — In a shocking incident exposing deep-rooted bias in the handling of communal tensions, police in Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh arrested and publicly paraded Muslim butchers through the streets on Sunday, accusing them of cow slaughter. The move came after members of Hindu organisations launched a violent attack on the butchers’ market over rumours that a cow had been slaughtered.
According to local sources, tensions began on Friday when a false report about cow slaughter spread in the area. By the time the police reached the spot, a group of Hindu activists had already stormed the butchers’ locality armed with sticks and rods. They vandalised shops and assaulted several men. The police later found only a severed buffalo head.
However, instead of arresting the attackers, the police turned their focus on the Muslim butchers. On Sunday, nine men — including local Congress leader and former councillor Mursaleen Qureshi — were paraded through the streets before being presented in court. The court later sent them all to jail.
“This is a one-sided action. We were attacked first, but the police are treating us as culprits,” Mursaleen Qureshi told reporters. “They found a buffalo head, not a cow, yet they charged us under the cow slaughter law. Those who came with sticks to kill us are roaming free.”
Residents of the area said that the police display — marching the accused through the streets — was humiliating and aimed at creating fear among the Muslim community. “We have never seen such public shaming before. It was done to humiliate Muslims and please certain groups,” said a shopkeeper from Damoh, who requested anonymity.
The violence reportedly began when activists of a local Hindu organisation entered the butcher market shouting slogans and accusing the traders of cow slaughter. Eyewitnesses said the butchers initially tried to defend themselves, leading to a scuffle. The police arrived later and brought the situation under control.
Despite evidence suggesting that the attack was initiated by the Hindu mob, the police filed cases only against the butchers. This has raised serious concerns about bias and the unequal application of the law.
“This incident shows how Muslims are constantly targeted through the misuse of cow slaughter laws,” said a social activist from Bhopal. “Instead of protecting citizens, the police are acting as tools of intimidation. This public parade was meant to send a message that Muslims can be humiliated anytime.”
Local reports also suggest that the police have not taken any action against the members of Hindu groups who carried out the attack. Instead, they have charged the butchers under the Madhya Pradesh Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act and sections related to assault.
Damoh Superintendent of Police, when contacted, claimed that the action was taken as per law. However, rights groups argue that such selective enforcement deepens communal divides and fuels mistrust among minorities.
“In a democratic country, justice cannot be one-sided. If Muslims are arrested, why are those who attacked them not being booked?” asked a local Congress worker. “This is not law enforcement; this is open bias.”
The incident has sparked outrage among Muslim organisations in Madhya Pradesh, who have demanded a judicial probe. They allege that the Damoh police deliberately humiliated the butchers to appease right-wing groups.
Community elders from Damoh said that such incidents have become increasingly common in recent years, where rumours of cow slaughter are used as a pretext to attack Muslims. “We have been living here peacefully for decades,” said 60-year-old butcher Rahmat Ali, “Now, any rumors can destroy our lives. The law is no longer protecting us.”
Meanwhile, local residents are calling for peace and fairness in the investigation. “The administration must act against those who spread rumours and led the violence. Otherwise, this will only deepen communal hatred,” said a Hindu shopkeeper who witnessed the clashes.
The case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of how cow-related rumours are weaponised to target minorities. Human rights activists have repeatedly warned that such actions not only threaten lives but also erode public trust in law enforcement.
For now, nine Muslim men remain behind bars — their only crime, as their supporters say, being born into a community that has become the easy target of hate. “We want justice, not humiliation,” said Mursaleen Qureshi as he was taken away in handcuffs. “If there is law in this country, it must be the same for everyone.”
