Bajrang Dal extremists threaten Muslim meat shop owner in Indore

Bhopal: A Muslim-owned meat shop near a Ganesh pandal and temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore has come under intense pressure from Bajrang Dal activists, who have issued a three-day ultimatum to the elderly shopkeeper to vacate the premises.

Videos of the confrontation have gone viral on social media, triggering widespread concern over threats being issued during the ongoing Ganesh festival. In the footage, the shop owner can be seen attempting to explain the financial losses and difficulties he would face if forced to shut down or relocate abruptly. The activists, however, appear unwilling to entertain his concerns and continue to threaten him.

The Bajrang Dal has objected to the meat shop being located within about 50 metres of the temple and Ganesh pandal, arguing that businesses selling meat and other non-vegetarian products should not operate in their vicinity.

One of the activists is also heard insisting that even shops selling eggs should not be allowed near the temple, while questioning how chicken and mutton could be permitted in the area.

A Bajrang Dal member later claimed that the shop was operating without a valid licence. He said the organisation had informed the local administration and police and warned that its members would remove the shop themselves if it was not relocated within the stipulated period.

The threats have heightened tensions in the area during the festival season, raising concerns that such confrontations could deepen communal divisions and disrupt public order. Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident, though monitoring has reportedly been stepped up to prevent any deterioration in the situation.