A dispute over the presence of sacrificial goats inside a residential housing complex in Mira Road near Mumbai escalated into communal tensions and heavy police deployment ahead of Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakri Eid. Authorities deployed nearly 200 police personnel in and around the Poonam Cluster residential society after protests, clashes and allegations of attacks intensified over the past several days.

The controversy began on Sunday when some residents and Hindu organisations objected to a temporary shed allegedly erected inside the Srishti Complex premises to house goats meant for Bakrid sacrifices. According to PTI, the shed was later dismantled following objections from residents and local groups. However, tensions continued after members of the Muslim community reportedly gathered in protest, leading to a complaint being filed at the Kashimira police station and a scuffle later that night.

The situation worsened on Tuesday when members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal arrived at the complex to protest against claims that goats had been brought back into the premises. During the demonstration, a VHP functionary and two others were allegedly attacked with a blade, according to local sources quoted by PTI. Protesters also gathered outside the society gates, raised slogans and recited the Hanuman Chalisa as tensions mounted in the area.

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One of the most widely circulated visuals from the standoff showed a police officer running through a crowd carrying a squealing piglet in his arms. The incident occurred after some protesters allegedly attempted to bring the pig into the housing complex, claiming it was intended for a “Varaha Puja.” The move drew sharp reactions as the protest unfolded amid heightened communal sensitivities ahead of the festival. Varaha Jayanti, traditionally associated with the ritual, is usually observed later in the year.

By Tuesday night, civic authorities removed all 51 goats from the residential society using four municipal corporation vehicles. Police said two cases were being registered at Kashimira police station over allegations related to hurting religious sentiments and violating prohibitory orders on public assembly. Authorities have since banned gatherings and sloganeering in the vicinity to prevent further escalation.

Political leaders also weighed in on the incident. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya alleged that some Muslim leaders were attempting to turn the Naya Nagar area into what he called a “bastion of Pakistani mindset.” Meanwhile, local Shiv Sena MLA and Maharashtra minister Pratap Sarnaik appealed for calm and blamed “outsiders” for disturbing communal harmony. Police officials said security arrangements have been strengthened to ensure Bakrid celebrations proceed peacefully without further unrest.

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