Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, May 27: Several housing societies in Mumbai remained on alert ahead of Bakrid celebrations amid concerns over ritual animal sacrifice being carried out within residential premises.
Police have reportedly intensified security arrangements and deployed bandobast in sensitive localities, including parts of Ghatkopar and Goregaon East, to prevent any possible law-and-order issues during the festival period.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya on Tuesday issued a strong warning, stating that municipal authorities would be held accountable if goats were slaughtered inside housing societies in violation of civic rules.
Speaking to reporters after visiting Sagar Park Society in Ghatkopar West, Somaiya said sacrifices should only be conducted at officially designated locations approved by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
“I have informed municipal officials and the Municipal Commissioner that if goats are slaughtered inside housing societies, the municipal corporation will be held responsible. Police must also ensure that rules are not violated,” he said.
According to Somaiya, tension had reportedly surfaced in the society over the presence of sacrificial goats inside the residential premises ahead of Eid al-Adha celebrations.
He further claimed that some residents had expressed fear and alleged intimidation in the area.
The BJP leader also stated that nearly 22 goats housed in a shed within the locality were taken into custody by municipal authorities.
While stressing the importance of respecting religious practices, Somaiya maintained that sacrifices should be carried out strictly at authorised slaughter locations identified by civic authorities.
“Qurbani will definitely take place and should take place, but only at places designated by the municipal corporation. Religion should not be used as a cover for activities inside residential localities that violate rules,” he said.
Somaiya added that he had instructed civic officials to maintain strict monitoring and proper arrangements during the festival period to ensure discipline and prevent violations across the city.
He also referred to a similar incident reportedly witnessed recently in Mira-Bhayandar and reiterated that both civic authorities and police were responsible for enforcing regulations.