Ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival, a goat with the name “Ram” inscribed in yellow on its skin was discovered at a meat shop in Navi Mumbai. The incident sparked significant outrage among the Hindu community and led to the shop owner’s detention.
The goat was discovered at the “Good Luck Mutton Shop” in Belapur’s Central Business District (CBD). The shop is owned by Muhammad Shafi, who is now under police custody following the incident. The discovery was brought to light on June 15 when members of a Hindu organization visited the shop and recorded a video of the goat, which quickly went viral on social media.
In the viral video, a white goat with the word “Ram” prominently written on its back can be seen tied up outside the meat shop. Members of the Hindu organization can be seen confronting Shafi, demanding an explanation for the offensive inscription. The video captures the escalating tension as police officers arrive to manage the situation and prevent any potential outbreak of violence.
The authorities subsequently took the goat into custody to prevent a further escalation of the situation. The shop was ordered to close immediately, pending further investigation.
The Navi Mumbai Police swiftly registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Muhammad Shafi under several relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deal with acts intended to outrage religious feelings and promote enmity between different groups.
“Preliminary information indicates that a goat with Ram’s name written on it was kept for sale at Good Luck Mutton Shop in CBD Sector One, Navi Mumbai. A complaint was registered under relevant sections of the IPC, and the shop owner has been detained,” confirmed a police official.
The video quickly gained traction on various social media platforms and ignited widespread outrage. Prominent Hindu organizations have condemned the act, viewing it as a deliberate attempt to provoke and insult their religious sentiments.
Hindu groups have called for stringent action against the offenders. One social media user, identifying as Hindutva Knight, expressed their fury on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter: “This is outrageous. A goat sold by ‘Good Luck Mutton Store’ with Ram’s name written on it. Goat will be slaughtered on Bakrid in the open to deliberately incite the Hindu community. Requesting @Navimumpolice, @MumbaiPolice, to take strong action for deliberately causing a law & order issue.”
https://twitter.com/HPhobiaWatch/status/1802002360857722960
The police have confirmed that the case has been officially recorded under CBD Belapur Police Station Crime Register No. 123/2024.
In light of the incident, the government and administration have urged citizens to follow their religious practices without distressing others. Authorities have emphasized maintaining peace and communal harmony, especially during festive periods.
