Officials accused of favouring agents, delaying entry, demanding bribes, and neglecting animal welfare despite charging Rs 198 per goat
MUMBAI – Tension gripped Deonar Bakra Mandi in Mumbai’s Govandi East on Friday as over a hundred angry goat traders blocked its entrance, accusing authorities of delay, corruption, and neglect just days before Eid-Al-Azha.
The traders, who had travelled long distances from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat with truckloads of goats, said they were forced to wait for several hours outside the market and some of them were not allowed to enter it.
Sitting in protest on the road outside the gate, the traders chanted slogans like ‘BMC Hai Hai’ and ‘Police Hai Hai’, blaming the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the local police for inaction.
“We have been waiting here for five hours and still haven’t been allowed in,” said Abdul Qayyum, a trader from Madhya Pradesh. “Our animals are getting sick, and some are so tired they might die. This is torture — both for us and the animals.”
Many traders alleged that brokers, in collusion with Deonar staff, were allowed to bypass the queue and take their animals inside directly.
“When we asked the officials, they told us to wait, but then we saw other people getting in through the back door,” said Rehmatullah from Gujarat. “It’s clear they are favouring agents who are paying under the table.”
Several traders claimed they were being asked to pay extra money apart from the official Rs 198 fee per goat. “We don’t mind paying what’s legal, but why are they demanding thousands more just to allow us entry?” said Salim Sheikh from Rajasthan.
He also questioned the lack of proper sheds. “More than Rs 20 crore was spent this year on Bakrid arrangements, but we don’t even have a roof over our heads. Where has that money gone?”
According to the traders, more than 100 vehicles were seen lined up on Friday morning alone, many of them carrying goats that had already endured long journeys.
“Just think — the animals are kept standing in trucks for hours, there’s no water, no food. If this continues, it’s bound to lead to deaths,” said Mohammad Siraj, another trader from Madhya Pradesh.
They pointed out that the problems grow worse with each passing day as the number of animals arriving at Deonar increases sharply ahead of the feast of sacrifice.
On May 28, a total of 65,976 goats arrived at the market, but only 1,738 were sold. A total of 822 vehicles were used that day, according to official figures, until 6 pm.
When contacted by Clarion India, Kaleem Pasha Pathan, General Manager of Deonar Slaughterhouse, admitted that there had been delays but denied that the administration was at fault.
“There is no mismanagement from our side,” he said. “The problem is being created by agents who are trying to manipulate the system. Most of the vehicles and animals have already been brought inside. Only a few remain.”
He also blamed heavy rains in Mumbai for slowing down the entry process. “Due to rain, checking documents, counting animals and following all safety procedures is taking time. But we are making sure the rules are followed and things are moving as planned.”
Pathan insisted that work was underway to build sheds. “We are trying our best so that no animal or trader is left outside. The situation is under control, and we hope there won’t be any more trouble.”
Some traders at the site downplayed the protest, calling it a “minor issue.”
“Every year, this happens,” said Abdul Mannan, a trader who has been selling goats at Deonar for the past 12 years. “Some new traders come only during Bakrid and want everything quickly. They should understand that when hundreds of trucks arrive together, it takes time to clear the process. They are just impatient.”
He added that proper checking was necessary for animal health and market records. “You cannot just let animals enter like that. It’s important to make sure they are healthy and counted properly. Otherwise, it becomes chaos.”
Despite the differing views, most traders agreed on one thing — the current system lacks fairness and transparency.
“How can you justify spending crores and still have no system in place?” asked Bashir Khan, another trader from Rajasthan. “Why do we have to rely on agents and pay extra just to do our job?”
As Eid approaches and the rush to sell animals grows, Deonar Mandi — one of Asia’s largest — is once again under the scanner for poor management and failing to safeguard the rights of small traders, most of whom are Muslims.
The protest may have ended, but the anger and frustration among traders remain. Many say that unless the system changes and those involved in corruption are held accountable, the same problems will return year after year.
“Is this how India treats those who feed its people on Eid?” said Abdul Qayyum. “All we are asking for is fair treatment and respect for our hard work.”
