On Eid al-Adha, when animal sacrifice is a key ritual, fear among Muslim cattle traders was at its peak. In Uttar Pradesh, buffaloes and goats are primarily sacrificed. Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh, home to two major buffalo meat factories, is a key hub for the meat trade; however, recent violence has disrupted business operations across the state.
The recent brutal attack by cow vigilantes on four Muslim meat traders in Aligarh has sent shockwaves through cattle trading communities across the region. Despite transporting legally sourced buffalo meat, traders Nadeem, Aqeel, Arbaz, and Aqil (the driver) were violently assaulted by a right-wing mob.
The attackers scattered their cargo and beat them with belts, iron rods, and sticks. All four sustained serious injuries.
The attack took place in Alahdadpur village on May 24, 2025. The victims, who carried valid documentation from a licensed facility, were stopped en route. Their vehicle was set ablaze. All four, the sole breadwinners for their families, are currently hospitalised in critical condition.
One of the victims, who was merely driving the vehicle, suffered severe injuries and is currently in intensive care at a private hospital. He has not spoken to the media since the attack.
The survivors alleged that even in the presence of police officers in the Harduaganj area, they were beaten. Video footage of the incident has since surfaced on social media.
According to the victims, the attackers initially demanded ₹2 lakh as extortion to let the vehicle pass. Fortunately, intervention by the Akrabad Police forced the mob to flee. Eyewitnesses identified Ramkumar Arya and Arjun, alias “Bholu,” as the ringleaders of the assault.
A forensic report from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) later confirmed that the transported meat was buffalo, not cow. Despite this, the incident has caused widespread panic and anxiety among meat traders.
Harduaganj Police have registered a case against 13 identified and 25 unidentified individuals under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of common intention, abetment of offences, rioting, rioting with deadly weapons, extortion, and dacoity.
However, a separate case was also filed against the victims under the Uttar Pradesh Cow Slaughter Act, despite the FSL report. Aligarh Superintendent of Police (Rural), Amrit Jain, told Maktoob that the investigation will also examine potential violations of permit laws and the Animal Cruelty Act.
Rising fear of vigilantism
Traders in Atrauli and Aligarh report fears of attacks, loss of livelihood, legal harassment, social boycott, and a complete lack of trust in authorities. Many have closed their shops temporarily, while others are contemplating switching to other professions to protect their lives.
At Aligarh’s Jamalpur cattle market, which operates only during Eid, Zeeshan, a trader from Atrauli, shared his fears.
“It has become terrifying to transport cattle or even sell meat at our local shops, even though our business is completely legal,” he said.
“When our families hear about these incidents, we consider changing our profession. However, starting over requires capital, effective networking, and relevant experience. It’s not easy,” he added. “Our family has been in this trade for generations. We don’t know how to do anything else.”
Despite the fear, Zeeshan continues travelling daily to Aligarh for the sake of his livelihood.
The mother of lynching survivor Aqeel Qureshi, who is herself recovering from surgery, voiced her anguish: “If the state disapproves of our work, we are willing to stop. But then the government must offer us an alternative livelihood. How long must we live in fear, risking our lives to earn a living?”
“My son did nothing wrong,” she added, “but they don’t wait for proof. They just attack.”
Economic disruption
In rural Uttar Pradesh, livestock trading is a primary source of income. The attack has severely impacted the local economy, especially for daily wage workers dependent on slaughterhouses and meat transport.
“Daily wage labourers and traders involved in the meat supply chain are bearing the brunt. Sales have dropped drastically due to fear and stigma,” Rais Qureshi, a meat shopkeeper in Dodhpur, told Maktoob.
Rizwan, another trader, added: “Police, authorities, and self-proclaimed ‘gau rakshaks’ often stop us, even when we have all the legal documents. We fear being framed or attacked.”
“It’s no longer a safe job. You don’t know if you’ll return home once you leave for work.”
Mohammed Amir, another meat trader, has already begun transitioning to a bakery business in Atrauli. “I don’t want future generations to face this injustice and bloodshed,” he said. “We’re not afraid—but we shouldn’t have to risk our lives for simply doing legal work.”
“We only ask for justice”
Even after the FSL report confirmed the meat was buffalo, the police have not dropped charges against the victims.
Sajid Qureshi, cousin of survivor Aqeel Qureshi, said, “The police’s inaction sends a chilling message to the Qureshi community and others in the trade—that even the victims can become the accused.”
“All four victims had legal documentation. But now, it doesn’t matter what’s in the truck—if you’re Muslim and dealing with animals, you’re a suspect. It’s terrifying.”
Sajid also criticised the investigation, saying that the victims haven’t been allowed to identify the four people who are in custody.
“There is enough video evidence to identify the culprits, yet the victims face criminalisation. This erodes trust and makes victims and witnesses hesitant to report such crimes.”
Still, he acknowledged, “Had the police not intervened that day, the victims might not have survived. For that, we are thankful.”
“But delayed justice only confirms what many minorities fear—that equality and justice may not apply to them. We only ask for justice.”
This incident is not isolated. Over the past few years, Uttar Pradesh and other states have witnessed a disturbing rise in mob violence disguised as “cow protection.” Legal buffalo meat trade is increasingly conflated with beef, putting lawful businesses and lives at risk.
Such violence is also used as an excuse for extortion. Just 15 days earlier, traders Nadeem and Arbaaz Qureshi were similarly attacked—allegedly by Bajrang Dal members.
Cow vigilantism is no longer fringe—it’s becoming mainstream, affecting both traders and consumers.
In Aligarh, meat shops often shut down on Fridays, reportedly under unofficial pressure, though no official orders exist. During Hindu festivals like Ram Navami and Navratri, meat sales are often banned without explanation.
“People are afraid to buy, carry, or even cook buffalo meat. Most Muslims don’t eat cow meat, but we still face suspicion and threats,” Rao Zafar, a consumer, said.
He added, “Even carrying meat on a train or street feels risky. It violates our right to choose what we eat.”
Zafar also noted that in many metro cities, Muslims are denied rental housing simply for cooking non-vegetarian food. “Consumers from minority groups are targeted based on their dietary choices,” he said.
The Aligarh lynching has become a flashpoint. Civil society groups and legal experts are rallying behind the victims, urging the government to protect lawful traders, fast-track legal proceedings against the perpetrators, prevent misuse of cow protection laws, and compensate the victims’ families.
Delegations from organisations like Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Students’ Islamic Organisation, and Rashtriya Ulema Council have visited the survivors and demanded justice.
