Beef dumped at Dhubri temple sparks unrest; markets closed, gatherings banned as police probe third such incident

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 9, 2025

Communal tensions escalated in Assam’s Dhubri town on Monday after beef, including a severed cow’s head, was found dumped near a Hanuman temple in Baleswar’s Ward No. 1. The discovery triggered protests, road blockades, and a shutdown of all commercial establishments in the area as the administration imposed emergency restrictions to prevent further unrest.

District Commissioner Dibakar Nath invoked Section 163(i) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to implement prohibitory orders. “I am satisfied that such a situation may cause disturbance of public order and immediate preventive action is necessary,” Nath said in the official directive. All shops and markets under Dhubri Police Station limits have been ordered shut until further notice.

The order also bans public gatherings of more than five people in streets, public spaces, and thoroughfares. Exemptions have been made for emergency services, including medical personnel, firefighters, police, electricity board officials, and paramilitary forces.

The unrest began on Sunday when locals in Ward No. 3 discovered the banned meat on the temple premises. Outraged residents took to the streets, blocking roads and burning tyres while demanding swift arrests. Protesters refused to allow the cow’s remains to be removed, insisting those responsible first be identified and apprehended.

“We will not allow the cow’s head to be taken away until those behind this act are arrested,” said one demonstrator. Police intervened to prevent escalation, but the atmosphere remained tense throughout the day.

Senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, visited the scene to monitor the situation and reassure the public. Authorities confirmed that forensic testing is being conducted to verify the nature of the recovered material and pledged strict legal action against anyone attempting to inflame communal tensions.

Preliminary investigation points to a deliberate attempt by unidentified miscreants to disturb communal harmony. Notably, this marks the third such incident involving the same temple, deepening concern among local residents.

No arrests had been made as of Monday evening, but officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing. The Dhubri case follows a similar incident in Hojai district just a day earlier, where beef was reportedly found inside a Kali temple—further stoking communal sensitivities across the state.