Mob beats Muslim trader over beef in India
Mob assault over beef accusation exposes continued vigilante violence targeting Muslim livelihoods in India’s cow protection climate
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Police in northern India have detained two men following a mob assault on a Muslim meat trader who was accused of transporting beef, an incident that underscores the persistence of vigilante violence targeting Muslim livelihoods despite repeated official pledges to uphold rule of law.
According to the local media, the attack took place on Saturday in the city of Aligarh, when Shareef Qureshi, a licensed meat trader, was intercepted by a group of men while transporting buffalo meat — a legal commodity — from a supplier to a nearby town.
Qureshi, who has worked in the trade for more than two decades, told police that the attackers accused him of carrying cow meat, beat him with belts and hoses, and verbally abused him.
He said he attempted to show purchase bills and transport documents, but the papers were torn during the assault. His motorcycle was damaged, and personal belongings were taken before the group fled as police arrived.
A criminal case has been registered under multiple provisions of India’s penal code relating to rioting, unlawful restraint, physical assault, criminal intimidation, and property damage.
Seven named suspects and more than a dozen unidentified individuals have been listed in the complaint. Police said meat samples recovered from the scene have been sent for forensic testing to verify their origin.
Authorities confirmed that two suspects have been detained for questioning, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining individuals involved. Police officials described the investigation as active but declined to comment on potential charges until laboratory results are received.
The incident reflects a broader pattern of attacks against Muslim traders involved in cattle- and meat-related businesses, particularly in states governed by strict cow protection laws.
Rights groups and media watchdogs have documented numerous cases in which accusations of beef possession — often later found to be unsubstantiated — have led to mob assaults, public humiliation, and, in some cases, fatal violence.
Qureshi sustained multiple injuries, including deep wounds to his mouth requiring stitches, and was later discharged from hospital after doctors said his condition was stable. Family members said they have filed formal complaints but expressed concern over delays and accountability, citing earlier high-profile lynching cases that have remained unresolved for years.
Political representatives who met the family said police have promised action, though community advocates argue that arrests alone have failed to deter repeated attacks.
They note that the climate of fear surrounding Muslim livelihoods continues to deepen, particularly for small traders who lack financial alternatives or institutional protection.
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