Varanasi Police Thwart Attempt to Incite Communal Unrest with False Cow Slaughter Claims
In a swift and decisive operation, the Varanasi police successfully prevented a potential outbreak of communal tension in the historic Old Paan Dariba area on Tuesday. The incident unfolded near the revered Kashi Vishwanath Dham, where anti-social elements attempted to fan dangerous rumors of illegal cow slaughter, aiming to disrupt the peace in this culturally significant locality.
Police Intervention Uncovers Truth Behind False Allegations
Upon receiving alerts about the developing situation, a substantial police force, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi zone) Gaurav Banswal, rushed to the Bakra Mandi area under the Chetganj police station. The officers were met with a group of youths who had gathered and were loudly alleging that illegal butchering of animals, including cows, was taking place for meat selling purposes.
However, a meticulous on-the-spot inspection by the police officials revealed a starkly different reality. No evidence whatsoever was found to support the claims of animal slaughter. DCP Banswal stated emphatically, "Claims of cow and other animals being slaughtered were false, as no remains of butchering were found at Bakra Mandi."
Chaos and Drama Precede Police Investigation
The situation had escalated earlier when a group of individuals, posing as university students, raided the Bakra Mandi market. They created a scene by banging on traders' doors and making loud allegations of illegal slaughter. In the ensuing chaos, rumors of cow slaughter began to spread rapidly through the area.
Before local residents could mobilize in response, the youths proceeded to a nearby police outpost, where they staged a dramatic protest, demanding immediate action based on their unverified complaint. This prompted the police to deploy a heavy force to the area, which has a mixed population, to prevent any law and order breakdown.
Thorough Search Confirms No Slaughter Activity
The police team, under DCP Banswal's leadership, conducted an exhaustive search of the entire Bakra Mandi and surrounding areas. The investigation conclusively determined that no slaughterhouse operations or any form of animal slaughter had occurred there. The DCP clarified that the market is solely used for the buying and selling of live goats, with slaughtering activities strictly prohibited on the premises.
Importantly, DCP Banswal categorically dismissed the rumors of cow slaughter or any slaughtering happening in close proximity to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. He noted that while the area falls within an approximately 2-kilometer radius of the temple, the actual road distance is nearly 2 kilometers, further debunking claims of immediate proximity.
Traders Describe Panic and Threats
Local traders at Bakra Mandi reported that the group of youths caused significant panic by assaulting and threatening workers. They explained that this centuries-old market primarily serves traders from the Pal and Gaderiya communities, who come from rural areas to sell their goats during nighttime hours, with business concluding by morning.
"Besides trade of live animals, no slaughter takes place in this market," the traders affirmed, adding that sanitation workers from the Varanasi Municipal Corporation visit daily to maintain cleanliness.
Legal Action Initiated Against Rumormongers
Despite the lack of evidence, the youths presented a photograph allegedly showing goat slaughter to support their claims. In response, the Chetganj police have registered a case and launched a comprehensive investigation. DCP Banswal emphasized that the probe will not only examine the veracity of the youths' allegations but also focus on identifying the rumormongers and their deliberate attempt to disturb public order.
"Appropriate legal action will be taken against them," he assured, highlighting the police's commitment to maintaining communal harmony and preventing the exploitation of sensitive issues for malicious purposes. This incident underscores the critical role of timely police intervention in safeguarding social peace in Varanasi, a city of immense religious and cultural significance.
