Aligarh: Muslim Meat Trader Attacked by Mob Over Beef Allegation, Two Detained
Victim says he was carrying buffalo meat with valid documents; police send samples for forensic testing.
Aligarh: Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh district have detained two individuals following an alleged mob attack on a Muslim meat trader who was accused of carrying beef. The incident took place on Saturday, December 20, on Hanumgarhi Road under the jurisdiction of the Harduaganj Police Station.
The victim, Shareef Qureshi, a licensed meat trader from Harduaganj, said he was transporting buffalo meat from Aligarh with proper bills and documents, as part of his regular business routine. He has been engaged in the trade for over two decades.
According to Qureshi, a group of men intercepted him on the road, accused him of carrying cow beef, and assaulted him. He alleged that the attackers beat him with belts and hoses, verbally abused him, tore his documents, and damaged his motorcycle. He further claimed that his mobile phone and cash were taken during the attack.
Qureshi later filed a police complaint, alleging an attempt to lynch him. The FIR names seven individuals along with 10 to 12 unidentified persons. Police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to rioting, wrongful restraint, causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and mischief.
To verify the nature of the meat, authorities have recovered samples and sent them to a forensic laboratory in Mathura. Police said further action will be taken based on the investigation and the lab report.
Speaking about the incident, Qureshi said he was stopped and attacked without being given a chance to explain. He added that despite carrying valid purchase bills, the assailants refused to listen and destroyed the documents.
Qureshi, who supports his family through this business, said incidents of attacks on buffalo meat traders have increased in recent years, creating fear among those involved in the trade. His family members expressed concern over their safety and skepticism about receiving timely justice.
Police officials confirmed that two accused—Anuj Pandit and Sheelu Rajput—have been detained for questioning, while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects. Qureshi, who sustained injuries during the assault, was treated at JN Medical College and later discharged. Doctors described his condition as stable.
Local political leaders and community members have demanded strict action against those involved and called for better protection of traders carrying out lawful business activities.
