Hindu neighbours unite to demand justice and expose misuse of authority, forcing district authorities to assure strict action against the culprits
PILIBHIT – In a troubling case highlighting rising tensions in parts of Uttar Pradesh, two Muslim men, Abid and Sajid, were brutally beaten and wrongfully jailed on allegations of cow smuggling. The incident, which took place in Jamunia village of Madhotanda area, has drawn sharp criticism from local communities and brought Hindu and Muslim villagers together in an unprecedented show of unity.
The controversy began on September 8, when Abid and his relative Sajid were transporting a milch cow and its calf to the house of their friend, Man Singh, a Hindu resident of the neighbouring village. “We had a proper receipt from the village head Sanjana Devi, and everything was fully legal,” said Abid, recalling the tense moments.
On their way, members of a local Hindu organisation stopped them and began to assault them. “They started hitting us and accusing us of smuggling,” Sajid said. “We tried to explain, but they did not listen.”
Man Singh, learning of the attack, rushed to the scene with dozens of villagers from his community. “I told them clearly that Abid and Sajid were doing nothing wrong,” he said. “We tried to reason with them, but they refused to listen and handed the men over to the police.”
Shockingly, the police reportedly acted under pressure from the Hindu organisation, detaining both men despite the villagers’ protests and the evidence of legality. Over the next few days, the authorities secretly filed charges against Abid and Sajid, further angering the local population.
“This is pure injustice,” Man Singh said. “People from both our communities – Hindus and Muslims – came together to support Abid and Sajid. We went straight to the District Magistrate to demand action.”
Hundreds of villagers gathered at the office of Pilibhit District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh, presenting evidence and demanding a thorough investigation. The DM responded promptly, calling the incident serious and instructing the Superintendent of Police to investigate. “Strict action will be taken against the culprits,” he assured the crowd.
Even political leaders expressed concern. Agra Municipal Corporation councillor Murari Lal Goyal of the Bharatiya Janata Party stated, “In Pilibhit, two innocent Muslims were beaten and sent to jail on false charges of cow slaughter. People from all sections of the Hindu community supported them and demanded a fair investigation. The Yogi (Adityanath) government is committed to ensuring justice and punishing wrongdoers.”
Local residents have praised the unity shown in Pilibhit. “This incident shows that truth and fairness can bring communities together,” said one villager, wishing to remain anonymous. “We will not allow innocent people to be targeted because of their religion.”
This case adds to a growing concern over false allegations of cow smuggling in Uttar Pradesh, where minority communities have increasingly faced harassment. However, the collective action of both Hindu and Muslim villagers in Pilibhit demonstrates the power of communal harmony and civic courage.
As investigations continue, many hope this incident will serve as a warning against misuse of power and religiously motivated accusations, while highlighting the resilience and solidarity of local communities.
