Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has yet again found itself at the center of controversy, this time over an alleged menu change replacing Chicken Biryani with Beef Biryani at a university hostel mess. The incident has led to a massive backlash, prompting swift police action as the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government registered an FIR against three individuals involved in the matter.
The controversy erupted when a viral notice, allegedly issued by the Sir Shah Sulaiman Hall dining committee, announced that Chicken Biryani would be replaced by Beef Biryani in Sunday’s lunch menu. The notice, which bore the names of Mohammad Faizullah and Mujassim Ahmed Bhati, senior members of the mess, stated:
“This Sunday’s lunch menu has been modified based on popular demand. Instead of Chicken Biryani, we will be serving Beef Biryani. This change is in response to numerous requests from our resident members. We hope you enjoy the new addition to our menu.”
UP Police Cracks Down: FIR against AMU 0fficials and students
As outrage grew, Aligarh Police swiftly intervened, registering a case against:
- Mohammad Faizullah (Senior Food Dining Hall member)
- Mujassim Ahmed Bhati (Senior Food Dining Hall member)
- F.R. Gauhar, Chief Provost of Sir Shah Sulaiman Hall
The case has been filed under multiple sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including:
Section 270 (public nuisance)
Section 302 (hurting religious sentiments)
Section 353 (public mischief)
Confirming the development, Circle Officer Abhay Kumar Pandey stated: “Police have taken cognizance of the matter, and based on a complaint by the chowki in-charge, a case has been registered. Investigations are ongoing, and strict legal action will follow.”
Uttar Pradesh has some of the strictest anti-cow slaughter laws in the country. Under the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act 1955, the slaughter, sale, and transportation of beef are prohibited, and anyone violating the law faces:
- Up to 10 years of imprisonment
- A fine of up to Rs 5 lakh
- Criminal charges for injuring cows or their progeny
With Yogi Adityanath’s government taking a zero-tolerance stance on cow slaughter and beef-related offenses, the incident at AMU has raised serious legal and political questions. As the notice went viral and public backlash intensified, AMU Proctor Professor Mohammad Wasim Ali attempted damage control, dismissing the issue as a “typographical error.”
According to Ali, the dining hall mistakenly typed “Beef Biryani” instead of “Chicken Biryani.” He insisted that the university had no intention of violating state laws and that the mess menu remained unchanged.
However, many have questioned how such a “coincidental mistake” could occur, especially given the sensitivity of the issue in a state like Uttar Pradesh. Critics argue that the university’s explanation lacks credibility, raising suspicions of a deliberate act meant to challenge established laws and provoke outrage.
This is not the first time Aligarh Muslim University has been mired in controversy. The institution has frequently been accused of political posturing, ideological clashes, and fostering anti-establishment sentiments. Some past incidents include:
2018 Jinnah Portrait Row – Outrage erupted when a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s founder, was displayed inside the university.
2019 Citizenship Protests – AMU became a major hub for protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), leading to violent clashes.
2021 Religious Disputes – The university faced backlash for alleged biases in faculty hiring and ideological divides.
The Uttar Pradesh government is closely monitoring the situation, and CM Yogi Adityanath’s administration has taken a firm stand against any activities that violate state laws. The FIR has set the stage for legal action, and the university may face stricter scrutiny in the coming days.
Potential Consequences:
- Legal proceedings against the accused
- Stricter oversight of AMU’s hostel mess and activities
- Political debates on beef consumption in educational institutions
- Stronger enforcement of UP’s anti-cow slaughter laws
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