Indian Muslims are facing growing anxiety ahead of Eid al-Adha after police issued warnings against cow sacrifice. In Mumbai, an incident occurred where Muslims carrying a goat for sacrifice were attacked with chants of a religious slogan, and pigs were brought in to humiliate them. A video shared on social media showed a West Bengal police officer cautioning that anyone secretly sacrificing cows would face consequences, and even goat sacrifices should not be done publicly.

The video was released by police a day before Eid and later shared by the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Eid day. These actions have created pressure and fear among Muslims across the state. However, BJP representatives claimed that Muslims were celebrating peacefully and that no restrictions were imposed on those observing their faith lawfully.

This year, Kolkata’s traditional Eid scene changed significantly. The historic Eid prayer at Red Road was not permitted by the BJP-led state government, and the congregation took place instead at Brigade Ground with a much smaller turnout. Reports described a subdued atmosphere and minimal animal sacrifices across West Bengal.