Tension gripped a sprawling housing complex in Kashimira over a controversial incident involving the entry of goats into the society premises by one of the families on Tuesday. According to the police, the incident was reported from the J. P. Infra housing complex which houses more than 400 families.
A resident of the complex Mohsin Khan, his wife Tasmeen and four-year-old son had bought two sacrificial goats on occasion of Bakri Eid which will be observed on Thursday.
However, he was faced with stiff resistance from the on-duty security guards and society members including women and children who gathered in large numbers to register their protest against the presence of the live stock in their society premises. Tempers ran high after some members started shouting religious slogans.
Notice issued by society
In an attempt to defuse the mounting tensions, the society management posted a notice forbidding slaughter of the goats and urging residents to respect the rights of their neighbours. The notice also emphasized the need for maintaining a harmonious living environment, urging all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution.
Despite the issuance of the notice, tempers flared when the goats were removed from the society's elevator by the society management. Angry residents, who supported the goat's presence, staged a protest, demanding the involvement of law enforcement authorities. The protesters argued that they should have the freedom to keep animals as pets as long as it didn't violate any regulations or disturb their neighbours.
Police intervention sought to prevent matter from escalation
As tensions escalated and the situation threatened to spiral out of control, the agitated residents demanded immediate police intervention.
Senior police officers including DCP (Zone I) Jayant Bajbale immediately reached the spot and tried to diffuse the mounting tension and avert any type of communal flare-up by chalking out a peaceful resolution.
Complaint registered for rioting and molestation
However, the protestors remained adamant as the deadlock continued till the wee morning hours on Wednesday. The society members claimed that despite the managing committee prohibiting slaughter of goats, the Khans not just brought the animals into the complex but were ferrying them up and down in the elevator. On the other hand, Mohsin alleged that his wife and son were targeted and traumatized by the huge mob as they entered the building compound in their car.
“Based on a complaint filed by Yasmeen Mohsin Khan, we have registered an offence against 30 to 40 people for rioting and molestation. Further investigations were on,” said senior police inspector Sandip Kadam. However, no arrests have been made so far.
