Muslim mob pelts stones after Hindus raise alarm over cow slaughter on Bakrid, Section 144 imposed in Balasore

Case ID : 0b66f0a | Location : Balasore, Odisha, India | Date of Incident : Sun, 16 June, 2024

Case ID : 0b66f0a

Balasore, Odisha, India

16 June, 2024

Muslim mob pelts stones after Hindus raise alarm over cow slaughter on Bakrid, Section 144 imposed in Balasore

Attack not resulting in death

Attacked for opposing radicals or trying to save victim

Case Summary

On June 17, the Balasore district administration in Northern Odisha imposed Section 144 (later extended to the entire Balasore municipality) following a clash between Hindus and Muslims. The incident began when a red blood-like substance, reportedly from cow slaughter during Bakrid celebrations, was seen flowing in a drain near Pir Bazar. This led to protests by Hindus who blocked the Chandipur-Balasore main road. In response, Muslims pelted stones at the protestors, resulting in a 15-minute clash. The police intervened, and five people, including police personnel, were injured, with over 15 vehicles damaged. No arrests were made. The administration imposed Section 144 to prevent further violence and declared a school holiday. Balasore collector Asish Thakare stated that the situation was under control and action would be taken against those responsible for disturbing harmony.

Why it is Hate Crime ?

In several cases, Hindus are attacked for opposing religiously motivated crimes being committed against a fellow Hindu or simply for voicing an opinion opposing radical elements, who either have in the past or continue to persecute Hindus. In such cases, the initial attack against the victim, against which the Hindu was trying to defend the victim, would also need to be classified as a religiously motivated hate crime. Since the initial crime itself was religiously motivated and the subsequent crime of attempting to save the victim or speaking against the radical elements ends up inviting a violent attack, it would also be classified as a religiously motivated hate crime under this category. Here, the Hindus were attempting to stop the illegal slaughter of cows and they came under attack by the Muslim smugglers. There is an additional religious angle to the case since cows are considered sacred in Hinduism and radical Muslims have, historically, attacked Hindus owing to their protection of the sacred cow. Further, the cow is also used in other cases where Hindus are taunted, forced fed Beef, etc for the purpose of the denigration of faith and forceful conversion. Since the radical Muslims attacked the Hindus while they were trying to rescue the sacred cow, being taken for illegal slaughter, this case is being categorised as a hate crime.