Decades-old goat market in Varanasi sealed ahead of Bakrid, sparks protest
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Varanasi: Authorities in Varanasi have sealed the decades-old Benia Bagh Bakra Market ahead of Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid), citing concerns over overcrowding and poor sanitation, a move that has triggered strong resentment among goat traders.
Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal said the permission earlier granted for the seasonal goat market—typically opened about a week before Bakrid—was cancelled following an inspection prompted by complaints regarding overcrowding and unhygienic conditions received by the Nagar Nigam.
Officials said traders were issued instructions last Friday to vacate the premises within three days. However, as the order was not complied with, the municipal authorities vacated and sealed the market on Monday with police assistance.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from traders, who said the Benia Bagh goat market has operated for nearly four decades and is widely known across Uttar Pradesh.
According to traders, the market usually opens a week before Eid-ul-Azha and attracts sellers from several districts in the Purvanchal region, including Ghazipur, Mau, Jaunpur and Gorakhpur.
They argued that the sudden closure just before the festival has left them without alternatives and questioned where they are expected to sell their goats at such short notice.
With PTI inputs