Kirit Somaiya urges BMC to curb open animal slaughter during Bakri Eid

Former Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kirit Somaiya urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to curb open animal slaughter during Bakri Eid in Mumbai. Kirit Somaiya stated in a letter sent to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide that unauthorized sacrifices routinely occur in residential localities, housing societies, and open spaces across areas including Shivaji Nagar, Govandi, Mankhurd, Kurla, Malwani, Byculla, Bhendi Bazaar, Vikhroli Park Site, Ghatkopar West, Mumbadevi, and Goldeval. Kirit Somaiya alleged that certain individuals deliberately carry out open-air slaughters and issue threats to intimidate Hindus, calling for strict police action. Kirit Somaiya stated, “Goats cannot be slaughtered in residential complexes, housing societies, and chawls on the occasion of Bakri Eid.” Kirit Somaiya suggested that the civic body should instead arrange designated stalls, shops, or spaces within nearby markets for religious rituals. Kirit Somaiya also appealed to the civic administration to launch public awareness campaigns involving religious leaders and Muslim community artists, while urging prominent Bollywood personalities to issue public appeals against pollution, filth, and cruelty associated with non-standardized animal slaughter. Kirit Somaiya asked the authorities to review existing regulations and ensure their strict enforcement to prevent environmental pollution, foul water runoff, blood discharge, and animal cruelty.