APCR Report Flags 46 Hate-Related Incidents Targeting Muslims Around Eid, Three Deaths Recorded

The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has reported 46 incidents of alleged violence, intimidation, hate speech, and harassment targeting Muslims across India during the period surrounding Eid ul-Adha.

According to the report, the incidents took place between May 11 and May 29, with 30 of them directly connected to Eid related activities such as animal sacrifice, cattle transport, and congregational prayers. The organisation says the findings indicate a rise in communal tensions during the festival period.

APCR categorised the cases as including intimidation and harassment, hate speech, physical assaults, attacks on property, and fatalities. It stated that three deaths were recorded during this time.

The report claims that the first incident occurred in Hyderabad on May 11, when members of a right wing group allegedly stopped vehicles suspected of carrying cattle ahead of Bakra Eid. It adds that similar incidents were reported in several states in the following weeks.

A significant concentration of cases was reported between May 25 and May 29, during the peak of Eid ul-Adha observances.

Among the fatalities mentioned, one case involved a Muslim man who allegedly died after custodial torture in Gujarat following accusations of cow slaughter. Two others were reportedly killed in Assam in a mob attack linked to allegations of cattle theft.

The report also highlights repeated incidents related to cow vigilantism. It describes cases in which individuals were allegedly assaulted or harassed over suspected cattle transportation or slaughter. In one instance in Haryana, two Muslim men were reportedly forced to drink cow urine following accusations of cattle smuggling.

In another case in Telangana, vigilantes allegedly attacked a truck and injured occupants despite later findings that the vehicle was carrying plywood instead of cattle.

APCR further states that political and organisational actors were involved in opposing Muslim religious practices in several regions. It names groups such as the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, along with local political representatives, in connection with protests against animal sacrifice and Eid prayers.

The report also mentions that certain state level restrictions were imposed on Eid related activities, including guidelines on animal sacrifice, transportation, and public prayers. It argues that such measures contributed to framing religious practices as public order concerns.

Incidents of opposition to Eid prayers were also documented, including protests in public spaces and reported disruptions during prayers in some locations.

APCR concludes that the clustering of these incidents around Eid ul-Adha reflects increased communal polarisation and suggests that restrictions and hostility toward religious practices have become more visible in several states.