A Muslim butcher, Sharif Qureshi, was allegedly attacked by a mob in Aligarh on December 20. Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the incident, while the search for other suspects continues.
The attack occurred on Hanumgarhi Road when some people stopped Qureshi and accused him of transporting cow meat. The 42-year-old Qureshi has been in the meat business for 25 years, buying buffalo meat from Aligarh daily and selling it at his small shop in Harduaganj. Qureshi stated that he had all valid bills and documents, but the attackers tore them and assaulted him with rods and belts.
Qureshi said, “I was going about my business as usual when they stopped me and attacked without asking anything. They continuously abused me and accused me of carrying cow meat. They tore my documents and took all my money and mobile phone.”
He suffered multiple injuries in the attack, including an eight-inch cut on his mouth, and was admitted to JN Medical College, where doctors described his condition as “not serious.”
Qureshi filed a complaint at Harduaganj Police Station against seven individuals. The FIR names Naveen Chaudhary, Sumit Thakur, Anuj Pandit, Aditya Hindu, Yashu Pandit, Prashant Jatav, and Sheelu Rajput, along with 10–12 unidentified persons.
The police collected a sample of the buffalo meat and sent it to a forensic laboratory in Mathura for testing. Rajeev Dwivedi, Circle Officer of Aligarh, confirmed that Anuj Pandit and Sheelu Rajput have been arrested for questioning.
Qureshi’s brother, Shah Alam, said, “We have filed a complaint, but we don’t know how long it will take to get justice. We have seen cases like the Dadri violence, Pehlu Khan, and Nasir Junaid, which still haven’t received justice.”
Youth Congress leader Raja stated that such attacks are increasing and added that he met with the SSP, who assured them that justice would be delivered.
Qureshi added, “Even our everyday livelihood is now at risk. This is not just about the meat business; it’s about our dignity and the right to live.”
The incident has raised serious concerns about safety and justice among the local Muslim community in Aligarh. Police investigations are ongoing, and the search for the remaining suspects continues.
