A Muslim man, M Muhamed Ayaz, 41, has been arrested for allegedly dumping meat waste in the car parking area of the Koniyamman temple on Raja Street, Coimbatore, provoking communal tensions. This incident has heightened concerns of potential clashes between communities following the election win of the DMK, which some believe has emboldened certain minority groups.
Ayaz, a resident of Podanur, was charged under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 290 (public nuisance) of the Indian Penal Code. According to police, Ayaz collected chicken and mutton waste from his brother Mohammed Vaise’s meat shop in Gandhipark and, on June 1, transported it to the temple area on his scooter, where he dumped it around 9:30 am.
The incident sparked outrage among Hindu groups and devotees, with Hindu Munnani leaders demanding stringent action. They shared photos and videos of the meat waste on social media, urging authorities to take immediate action.
Following complaints from the public and Hindu Munnani, local police and sanitary workers promptly cleaned the area. Ayaz was arrested on May 5 and remanded to judicial custody at Coimbatore Central Prison on May 6. Preliminary police inquiries revealed that Ayaz had committed similar acts twice before, raising concerns about his motives.
Police sub-inspector Thiyagaraj filed a complaint at the Variety Hall Road police station, warning that such actions could incite communal clashes. The complaint led to Ayaz’s arrest and the filing of an FIR under the relevant IPC sections.
Hindu Munnani state secretary Kishore Kumar condemned Ayaz’s actions as deliberate and provocative. Kumar questioned why Ayaz chose to dump the waste near the temple car instead of the usual disposal area. He also criticized the police for not labelling Ayaz as mentally challenged or under the influence, as they had in previous cases.
“Coimbatore is a sensitive area with a history of communal clashes, particularly attacks on and killings of Sangh Parivar leaders,” Kumar said. “Under Section 153A, Ayaz’s actions can be prosecuted under the Goondas Act, as they interfere with the religious practices of another community. His actions also posed a threat to public health and environmental safety.”
The police intervened after receiving complaints about a foul odour emanating from the temple car parking area. Initial concerns were that the smell might indicate the presence of a decomposing body. Upon inspection, they discovered the meat waste. CCTV footage helped identify Ayaz as the culprit, leading to his arrest.
Authorities and community leaders are calling for stronger measures to prevent such incidents and maintain communal harmony in Coimbatore.
