Hindu groups protest against Bhopal Mayor over beef trade:Protesters deface hoardings, surround Malti Rai’s residence; demand resignation

Bhopal witnessed protests after Hindu organisations accused the city mayor, Malti Rai, of failing to act against alleged beef smuggling in the city on Wednesday. The protest turned tense as demonstrators surrounded the mayor’s official residence and demanded strict action. Hoardings defaced, Hanuman Chalisa recited Members of the Bajrang Dal and other groups defaced nameplates and hoardings bearing Mayor Malti Rai’s photograph by smearing black ink on them. Protesters also drew a beard on her photo and raised slogans against her. Outside the bungalow, they recited the Hanuman Chalisa as part of their protest. The groups said their actions were a “symbolic protest” against what they called the municipal corporation’s inaction in alleged cases of illegal cow slaughter at slaughterhouses in the city. Protest held without permission: Police According to ACP Ankita Khatarakar, the protest was carried out without official permission. She added that legal action would be taken against the protesters under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). See 7 pictures of the Hindu organizations’ protest… Protest to continue until action is taken Hindu Utsav Samiti and other organisations claimed that an organised beef smuggling network has been operating in Bhopal for a long time. They alleged that no strong action has been taken so far and warned that protests would continue until the entire network and its alleged masterminds are punished. The protesters demanded Mayor Malti Rai’s resignation, alleging that such illegal activities cannot continue without the support or protection of the municipal corporation. Reference to truck seized near PHQ The groups referred to an incident on 17 December 2025, when a truck carrying a large quantity of suspected meat was seized near the Police Headquarters (PHQ). In that case, slaughterhouse operator Aslam Chamda was arrested and sent to jail. Protesters claimed this was only one link in a much larger network that is still active. Call for direct intervention by mayor Protesters said the mayor should directly intervene in matters related to slaughterhouses and illegal meat trade within municipal limits. They argued that such a large operation cannot run without the knowledge of the civic body and held the mayor responsible for ensuring strict enforcement of the law.