ABVP members try to shut shops over video of dead goat in Bakramandi area; traders demand identification
VARANASI — Tension arose in the historic Bakramandi market of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh after a viral video allegedly showing a dead goat led a group of student activists to attempt closure of shops, prompting strong resistance from residents and traders.
The incident took place in the Chetganj area, where Bakramandi has operated for more than a century. According to local sources, around 20 members linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) reached the market claiming they had seen a video showing goats being slaughtered in the area.
The group is said to include students from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith and was reportedly led by Shivam Tiwari, secretary of Kashi Mahanagar ABVP.
Witnesses said the students asked shopkeepers to show their identity cards. In response, local traders and residents asked the visiting group to identify themselves.
A trader present at the scene said, “We have been running our shops here for decades. If someone asks us for our identity, we have the right to ask who they are and under what authority they are questioning us.”
Due to the exchange, some shops were temporarily shut. However, locals later gathered in support of the traders, and the situation did not escalate further.
On social media, the episode has been described by some users as the “Mohammad Deepak effect”, suggesting that people should stand firm instead of feeling intimidated. One post read, “When people come to frighten you, do not panic. Look them in the eye and stand your ground. They will step back.”
Police Deny Illegal Slaughter
Inspector Vijay Kumar Shukla of Chetganj police station said that the Municipal Corporation has been contacted to verify the legal status of the market.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi Zone) Gaurav Banswal stated that slaughterhouses and the sale of meat are restricted within a two-kilometre radius of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham. However, he clarified that police had found no evidence of any illegal slaughterhouse operating in the area.
According to police, a dead goat was found in the market. Local traders said the animal had died accidentally and that its body was lying there when the video was recorded.
“There was no illegal slaughter. The goat had already died,” a trader said. “This market has existed peacefully for over a hundred years.”
Case Registered
Police have registered a case under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against unknown persons for allegedly killing or injuring an animal. Officials said the action was based on a written complaint and video material submitted by ABVP members.
Bakramandi is located about two kilometres from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and is regarded as one of the oldest livestock markets in the region. People from nearby rural areas visit to buy and sell goats. The area also hosts the annual Nakkatai fair in October.
Locals have appealed for calm, stating that Varanasi has a long tradition of coexistence. Many said that disputes should be resolved through lawful means rather than public confrontation.
The investigation is ongoing.
