Crimes against Muslims surged in India in weeks around Eid al-Adha
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New Delhi: A report by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has alleged a sharp rise in anti-Muslim incidents across India in the weeks surrounding Eid al-Adha, documenting 46 cases of violence, intimidation, hate speech and harassment between May 11 and May 29.
According to the report, 30 of the recorded incidents were directly linked to Bakra Eid and involved restrictions, threats, surveillance, protests and attacks connected to animal sacrifice, cattle transportation and Eid prayers. APCR argues that the pattern points to an atmosphere of growing hostility toward the public observance of Muslim religious practices.
The report recorded 32 incidents of intimidation and harassment, six cases of hate speech, three physical assaults, three attacks on property and two incidents that resulted in deaths. It states that the escalation began on May 11 when members of Bajrang Dal allegedly intercepted vehicles in Hyderabad on suspicion of transporting cattle ahead of the festival.
APCR said communal tensions intensified rapidly in the final days before Eid, with 22 festival-related incidents occurring between May 25 and May 29. Three Muslim men lost their lives during the period, including one man who allegedly died following custodial torture in Gujarat after accusations of cow slaughter and two others who were lynched in Assam over allegations of cattle theft.
The report identifies cow vigilantism as a recurring feature of many incidents. It cites cases involving allegations of cattle smuggling, transportation and slaughter, including assaults, public humiliation and attacks on vehicles.
APCR also alleges that members of the BJP, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad were involved in campaigns opposing animal sacrifice and Eid prayers. The report further argues that administrative restrictions imposed in several states, combined with political rhetoric and organised protests, contributed to portraying Muslim religious practices as a law-and-order concern.
The organisation concludes that Bakra Eid became a focal point for communal polarisation, with organised groups, political actors, and local authorities repeatedly linked to incidents targeting Muslims.