After Hijab Row, Protests Over Halal Meat Spark Violence In Karnataka

Right-wing protests against halal meat traditionally consumed by Muslims have taken a violent turn in Shivamogga district's Bhadravati

After the confrontation over Muslim students wearing hijabs on campus, the latest flashpoint in Karnataka seems to be halal meat.

Right-wing protests against halal meat traditionally consumed by Muslims took a violent turn in Shivamogga district's Bhadravati where five men were arrested for assaulting a man in a chicken meat shop and another at a restaurant.

District police chief B M Lakshmi Prasad said, "According to the complaint, five men went to a meat shop and demanded non-halal meat. When they were not given the meat and the shop was being shut down, they hit a boy on his head. Similarly, another case was registered in connection with the events in Janata Hotel. The group reached the shop and told the owner that they shouldn't be selling halal meat anymore. A customer had an argument with the group and one person was assaulted. A case has been registered at the Old Town Police Station. In both cases, the same five people were named as accused. All the five have been arrested."

These aren't the only cases: right wing groups are reportedly approaching vendors in different parts of the state against the sale of halal items.