Why Did Hindutva Supporters Attack a Non-Veg Eatery in the Yogi-Ruled State?

Shop Rented Under Hindu Name: Hindutva Group Attacks Non-Veg Eatery in Uttar Pradesh Amid ‘Halal’ and ‘Kanwar Yatra’ Row.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh | June 11, 2026:: Tensions have escalated in western Uttar Pradesh ahead of the annual Kanwar Yatra after members of a Hindutva organization allegedly vandalized a non-vegetarian food outlet over allegations involving religious identity, the sale of meat, and the promotion of “Halal” products.

The incident took place on Monday in Sirsana village along the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway, where around 15 to 20 members of the Hindu Raksha Dal allegedly attacked King Chicken Corner, a non-vegetarian eatery operating on the premises of Badri Vishal Bhojanalay. According to reports, the group vandalized the outlet and set its signboard on fire while raising slogans and objecting to its operations.

Following the attack, the eatery owners lodged an FIR with the police. Authorities have since arrested three accused individuals, including Hindu Raksha Dal leader Hemant Sharma.

Dispute Over Identity, Halal Advertisement and Kanwar Yatra

Members of the Hindu Raksha Dal questioned why a non-vegetarian eatery was operating from a property associated with a restaurant named after a Hindu deity and objected to the display of a “Halal” advertisement at the establishment. Allegedly, various types of meat items besides chicken were also sold secretly from ‘King Chicken Corner’.

The controversy intensified after property owner Naresh Kumar raised allegations regarding the identity of his tenant. Kumar, who operates Badri Vishal Bhojanalay, stated that he had rented a section of the premises to the operator of King Chicken Corner. However, he alleged that at the time of entering into the rental agreement, the tenant introduced himself as “Sandeep.”

According to Kumar, he later discovered that the tenant’s actual name was Azad Chowdhury. Kumar alleged that Chowdhury had concealed his Muslim identity while renting the property, a claim that has become a central aspect of the dispute.

Kumar also claimed that there had been an agreement under which the non-vegetarian outlet would remain closed during the Kanwar Yatra, one of North India’s largest Hindu pilgrimages. However, he alleged that Chowdhury later withdrew from that commitment, leading to disagreements over the shop’s operation during the religious event.

The allegations made by Kumar regarding identity concealment have not been independently verified, and police have not publicly confirmed any wrongdoing in connection with the rental agreement.

Accused Leader Denies Vandalism Charges

Hindu Raksha Dal leader Hemant Sharma, one of the arrested accused, denied allegations that his organization had attacked the shop.

“We had requested that the shop’s signboard be removed. Since there wasn’t enough manpower, we stepped in to help with the task ourselves,” Sharma claimed.

He further stated that members of the organization objected to the “Halal” advertisement displayed at the outlet and reiterated allegations that the shop operator had initially identified himself as “Sandeep” before later being revealed as Azad Chowdhury.

Police Investigation Underway

Police have launched an investigation into the vandalism following the complaint filed by the eatery owners. The arrests of three individuals, including Sharma, indicate that authorities are treating the incident as a law-and-order issue.

Officials have appealed for peace and restraint amid concerns that the controversy could heighten communal tensions in the region during the upcoming Kanwar Yatra season.

Wider Debate

The Muzaffarnagar incident has reignited debates surrounding the sale of non-vegetarian food along pilgrimage routes, the use of Halal certification and advertisements, and disputes over religious identity in commercial transactions. Such issues have periodically triggered controversy in parts of northern India, particularly during major religious events.

As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to examine allegations from all sides, including claims regarding the rental arrangement, the alleged use of a different name by the tenant, commitments related to Kanwar Yatra operations, and the circumstances surrounding the vandalism of the eatery.

For now, the incident has once again brought questions of religious identity, business practices, and communal relations into the spotlight in Uttar Pradesh ahead of one of the state’s most significant annual religious gatherings.
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_Agency Inputs.