Mumbai, November 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya has urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to issue strict guidelines and enforce restrictions on the open and illegal slaughter of animals in residential areas, housing societies and public spaces during Bakri Eid.
In a letter dated November 4 to Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Somaiya said he had been pursuing the issue with the civic body for the past two years. He alleged that illegal slaughter frequently takes place in housing societies, chawls, public squares, streets and other open spaces.
He specifically named Shivaji Nagar, Govandi, Mankhurd, Kurla, Malwani, Byculla, Bhendi Bazaar, Vikhroli Park Site, Ghatkopar (West), Mumbadevi and Goldeval as areas where such practices allegedly occur. He also accused municipal officials of ignoring residents’ complaints and responding with negligent circulars.
Somaiya suggested that the BMC arrange designated stalls, shops or spaces in nearby markets for people wishing to perform religious sacrifices, instead of allowing slaughter in residential localities. He also called for strict police action against individuals allegedly using threats and intimidation in connection with open slaughter.
He urged the civic body to launch public awareness campaigns involving Muslim religious leaders and artists to communicate that open-air animal slaughter would not be permitted. He said stricter enforcement was necessary to address pollution, foul water runoff, blood discharge and animal cruelty.
Sharing details of his letter on X, Somaiya said, “Goats cannot be slaughtered in residential complexes, housing societies, and chawls on the occasion of Bakri Eid.” He added, “I have requested the Mumbai Mayor, BMC, and Police Commissioner. We will NOT allow open slaughter in the name of religious ceremony.”
He also appealed to Bollywood actors Diya Mirza, Naseeruddin Shah, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Shabana Azmi, urging public figures to support awareness efforts against pollution, unhygienic practices and cruelty associated with non-standardised animal slaughter.
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