By Team Clarion
MATHURA — Communal tension gripped Mukund Vihar colony in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district on Friday after reports emerged of a large quantity of meat being found in the area. Hindu organisations, claiming it was cow meat, reacted with protests, stone-pelting, and arson, prompting police intervention and area-wide security measures.
According to police officials, Mukund Vihar colony has long been under scrutiny for alleged illegal activities. Acting on complaints, local authorities conducted a raid in the early hours of Friday, seizing large amounts of meat and tools reportedly used for animal slaughter.
Initial claims by Hindu groups suggested the meat was from cows. However, police clarified, “All meat samples have been sent for laboratory testing. We will confirm the type of meat only after the official report arrives.” Several Muslims were taken into custody for questioning.
As news of the seizure spread, large crowds, including members of local Hindu organisations, gathered at the site. Protests quickly escalated, with some groups allegedly setting fire to nearby scrap warehouses. Residents reported panic as many closed their shops and homes, seeking safety.
“There was chaos everywhere. People were running to save their families and property while smoke and fire filled the streets,” said a local shopkeeper who wished to remain anonymous. “We did not expect the situation to get this tense so quickly.”
During the unrest, clashes between police personnel and protesters resulted in stone-pelting incidents, further heightening anxiety in the area.
Senior officers of the Mathura Police, along with units of the Uttar Pradesh Police and PAC, reached the scene to restore order. Fire brigade teams battled the blaze for several hours, bringing it under control.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
