Tensions escalated in the State capital on Thursday as Bajrang Dal activists staged a massive protest against the court’s decision to grant bail to Aslam Qureshi, alias ‘Chamda’, the prime accused in the controversial beef smuggling case. The protesters marched from Mata Mandir to the Police Commissioner’s office, raising slogans against the municipal corporation and police administration. The demonstration, which included the symbolic burning of an effigy, saw a heavy police deployment. Units from MP Nagar, Bagh Sewania, TT Nagar, Shahpura and Misrod, along with the Quick Response Force (QRF), were stationed to maintain order. ACP Umesh Tiwari stated that the entire area was cordoned off as a precautionary measure. While the atmosphere remained charged for several hours, the situation was kept under control due to active police intervention. The protesters later submitted a formal memorandum demanding stringent action and the cancellation of the bail. Abhijit Singh Rajput, the departmental co-ordinator for Bajrang Dal, slammed the decision to grant bail, alleging that the investigation is far from complete.

 

“Critical questions remain unanswered. The police have failed to clarify the source of such a massive quantity of meat, the identities of all stakeholders involved, and the intended destination,” Rajput said. The organisation further questioned the ownership of the container used for transportation and its mysterious removal from the spot. Protesters argued that granting bail before uncovering the entire network was a premature decision. They have demanded the invocation of the National Security Act (NSA) against the accused, warning of intensified agitations if their demands are not met. The controversy dates back to the night of December 17, when a container carrying approximately 26 tons of meat, allegedly destined for Mumbai, was intercepted near the Jahangirabad area. Following forensic reports confirming the presence of beef, a case was registered on January 8 against Aslam Qureshi, the slaughterhouse operator, and his driver. The recent bail order has reignited the legal and social battle surrounding the incident.