Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya on Thursday alleged that illegal slaughter of animals for pakrid was happening at several locations in Mumbai, including Mankhurd, Deonar and Govandi, and urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and police to take action.
In a post on X, Somaya claimed that sacrifices are being carried out in residential societies and residential complexes despite the availability of designated slaughter sites and licensed markets nearby.
“Dozens of illegal Qurbani katal places in Mankhurd, Deonar, Govandi…. in housing societies/complexes. Bakri Eid Qurbani despite markets/shops, Qurbani places (designated places) are available in nearby areas. BMC police must act,” Somiya posted.
On Wednesday, on the occasion of Eid al-Azha celebrations, the Mumbai Police confirmed that the goat sacrifice (qurbani) ritual at a residential society in Goregaon has been canceled after a clash between two communities over the issue.
Officials said that the cattle would be removed from the association’s headquarters tomorrow morning to ensure law and order in the area.
Tension prevailed in the second phase of Satellite Gardens in Gokuldham area as members of both communities faced ritual sacrifice, with residents expressing strong objections to the practice within the residential complex.
Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Bakrah, celebrated on May 28 this year, is an important Islamic festival also referred to as the “Feast of Sacrifice.” It is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and marks the culmination of the annual Hajj season in Mecca.
The date of the festival changes every year because it follows the lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This results in the holiday moving earlier each year in the Western calendar cycle.
The festival is widely viewed as a time of joy, reflection and compassion, as people strengthen social bonds, forgive past injustices and engage in acts of charity and goodwill. It commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice in obedience to God, symbolizing faith and devotion.
