On 22nd March, tensions flared in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, after cow remains were found inside a white sack outside a Kali Temple located near the Talaiya police station during Navratri. Members of the Hindu group ‘Jai Maa Bhavani Hindu Sangathan’ gathered at the spot. They stated that the remains belonged to a cow and accused unidentified persons of cow slaughter. The protesters staged a road blockade and sat on a dharna. They demanded the immediate arrest of the accused.
Police assurance ends blockade after 90 minutes
Following the incident, an additional police force along with senior officials reached the site. The police assured the protesters that the accused would be identified and arrested at the earliest. The protest continued for around one and a half hours and the demonstrators called it off following the assurance from the police.
FIR registered, CCTV footage under scrutiny
An FIR has been registered against unidentified persons based on a complaint filed by Bhanu Hindu. Efforts are underway to identify the accused using CCTV footage from the surrounding areas.
Hindu activist says attempt to disturb communal harmony
Bhanu Hindu, head of the organisation, stated that the severed neck of the cattle found in the sack indicated cow slaughter. He demanded strict action and warned of wider protests if arrests are not made soon. The organisation alleged that dumping such remains outside a temple was a deliberate attempt to disturb the social atmosphere.
Speaking to OpIndia, Bhanu Hindu said he received a phone call from passers-by about a sack containing a cow’s carcass lying on the main road around 100 to 200 metres from the Kali temple. He said he rushed to the spot with his associates and found a sack with parts of the animal visible, following which the police were informed and members of the organisation gathered, leading to protests.
While Bhanu confirmed that an FIR has been registered on his complaint, he expressed a lack of confidence in police action. He stated that in previous cases, no proper action was taken. He demanded strict action against those involved in cow slaughter and alleged that such incidents during Navratri appeared to be an attempt to disturb the city’s atmosphere.
Police promise investigation, leaders call it conspiracy
Hindu Utsav Samiti president Chandrashekhar Tiwari also reached the spot. Additional DCP Shailendra Singh Chauhan assured that appropriate action would be taken after a thorough investigation. Tiwari termed the incident a conspiracy to vitiate the city’s atmosphere during Navratri and also raised objections over shops remaining open late in the old city.
