Tension erupts in Kanchanpur after alleged open cow slaughter and beef sale sparks outrage. VHP demands strict action, names accused, and warns of agitation as police register cases and begin investigation into the sensitive incident.
Tension prevailed in Kanchanpur on Monday evening after local residents approached the police seeking immediate action against a group of individuals allegedly involved in the open slaughter of cows and the public sale of beef along a busy roadside. The incident reportedly took place near the Brupara naka point on the Kanchanpur–Jampui road, triggering widespread outrage and raising concerns over law and order in the area.
According to local sources, passers-by noticed what appeared to be beef being openly sold at the roadside during the evening hours. The identity of the meat was allegedly confirmed after the severed head of the animal was seen displayed at the spot, leading to immediate shock and anger among nearby residents. The act reportedly drew a crowd within a short period, further escalating tensions in the locality.
Eyewitnesses claimed that a group of local youths, allegedly belonging to tribal communities, were running the operation. When some Hindu youths from the area objected to the public sale of beef and questioned the legality and intent behind the act, the situation quickly deteriorated. The accused individuals allegedly became aggressive and attempted to attack the objectors using iron rods, crowbars, and sharp weapons, including machetes.
Fearing for their safety, the dissenting youths reportedly retreated from the scene and informed the police about the incident. A police team later reached the area after receiving the complaint; however, by the time officers arrived, the accused individuals had already fled, and no one was found at the location. The absence of the accused further intensified anger among local residents, who demanded swift and decisive action.
The incident drew sharp condemnation from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), a right-wing Hindu organization. On Tuesday, members of the VHP’s Kanchanpur unit submitted a deputation to the Kanchanpur police station, demanding strict legal action against those involved. The organization alleged that the open sale of beef was a deliberate attempt to hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus, who form the majority population in the area.
VHP leaders stated that, according to Hindu beliefs and scriptures, the cow is regarded as sacred and revered as a mother figure. They emphasized that any act of slaughtering cows or publicly selling beef is seen as deeply offensive and unacceptable within the Hindu community. The organization further claimed that the incident had the potential to disrupt communal harmony if not addressed firmly and promptly.
Addressing media persons after submitting the deputation, VHP Kanchanpur unit general secretary Narayan Nath alleged that the incident was not accidental but part of a planned conspiracy aimed at provoking communal sentiments. He stated that a written complaint had been lodged at the Kanchanpur police station naming five individuals as accused.
According to Nath, the accused have been identified as Suresh Reang, Rahul Reang, and Beliyan Reang of Brupara under Kanchanpur police station; Swapan Reang of Barachhara village under Anandabazar police station; and Bijoy Reang of the Bru resettlement camp in Ambassa. He warned that failure to arrest the accused and ensure strict punishment would compel the organization to launch a larger agitation in the coming days.
“The sentiments of the Hindu community have been deliberately hurt. If the administration fails to act, we will be forced to intensify our movement,” Nath said, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
Meanwhile, police officials have assured that the matter is being handled with due seriousness. Kanchanpur police station officer-in-charge Srikanta Rudra Pal confirmed that two separate written complaints have been received in connection with the incident, both naming the same five accused. He stated that cases have been registered and an investigation is currently underway.
“The police are examining all aspects of the incident. Efforts are being made to trace the accused and verify the allegations. Strict action will be taken as per law once the investigation is complete,” Pal said.
| Also Read: Biplab Deb Targets Trinamool Over Bangladesh Hindu Safety |
The incident has put local authorities on alert, with additional police presence reportedly deployed in sensitive areas to prevent any further escalation. Community leaders have appealed for calm, urging residents not to take the law into their own hands while the investigation proceeds.
As the probe continues, the situation in Kanchanpur remains tense but under control. The coming days are expected to be crucial, as both law enforcement agencies and community organizations closely monitor developments to ensure peace and communal harmony in the region.
