India: Anti-Muslim Violence Over Allegations of Selling Cow Meat

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Facts

  • In India, two Muslim men on Sunday were allegedly attacked by vigilantes while carrying 450kg (990lbs) of meat from a vendor in Sangamner to Mumbai, with Afan Abdul Ansari, 32, dying, and Nasir Hussain, 24, being hospitalized. The men believed the duo was transporting cow meat, which is banned in the city of Nashik.1
  • According to the police complaint, the two men were beaten by 15-20 men using "wooden sticks and metal rods." 11 were later arrested after Nasir gave a statement at the hospital.2
  • The police have also charged the victims with violating the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which prohibits slaughtering bulls, oxen, and cows in the wider state of Maharashtra. While the slaughter of water buffalos is legal, they're accused of killing two buffaloes and a cow.1
  • According to his uncle, Nasir is currently in the intensive care unit and may have suffered brain damage. He also alleged that vigilantes had previously extorted the two men for money to transport meat, though he claims the pair never transported beef.2
  • Similar vigilante murders have occurred in recent years, including 11 men sentenced to life in prison for beating 55-year-old Alimuddin Ansari in Jharkhand state, where slaughtering cows is also prohibited. The ruling BJP party made statements on "cow vigilantism" but one lawmaker stated he had "no regret" for the violence against what he characterized as a "cow smuggler."3

Sources: 1Al Jazeera, 2TheQuint, and 3BBC News.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Anews. Islamophobic atrocities like this have been on the rise since Prime Minister Narendra Modi rose to power, and the government has done little to stop it. Not only did these vigilantes indiscriminately kill Ansari, but the police have since charged both victims with violating animal cruelty laws. The families of victims are also often poor, leaving their communities fearing for their lives and unable to afford legal protection.
  • Narrative B, as provided by OpIndia. While vigilantism should absolutely and always be condemned, Hindus also face a great deal of religious violence. Incidents against Muslims often receive disproportionate coverage compared to violence levied on Hindu communities. This is a tragic case, but more context must be provided in the media regarding the scope of religious violence in general.

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