Guwahati (Assam) [India], June 15 : Five people have been arrested for allegedly throwing beef near a temple in Assam's Goalpara district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday.
In a post on X, CM Sarma said that Lakhipur Police arrested the five accused for attempting to "incite communal tension."
"Lakhipur Police of Goalpara District has arrested the following individuals for allegedly throwing beef near a temple in a deliberate attempt to incite communal tension post Eid-ul-Zuha: 1. Bodir Ali (57), S/o Late Jabber Ali 2. Hazaratt Ali (58), S/o Riaj Uddin 3. Tara Mia (36), S/o Rupchand Ali 4. Shajamal Mia (42), S/o Late Hazarat Ali 5. Jahangir Alom (32), S/o Late Amor Ali (All residents of Ward No. 10, Khakilamari, P.S. Lakhipur)," CM Sarma wrote in his post.
"A case has been registered and strict action is being taken to ensure all such elements face the full force of the law," he added.
Earlier on Saturday, the Assam Chief Minister said that 38 people were arrested in a massive crackdown following a similar incident in Dhubri district.
"38 arrested overnight in the Dhubri beef head incident," posted the Assam CM.
On Friday, the Assam Chief Minister visited the state's Dhubri district and directed law enforcement officers to have zero tolerance for those who desecrate temples, Naamghars, and sacred spaces.
In a post on X, Sharma wrote, "I visited Dhubri and directed law enforcement officers to follow ZERO tolerance against elements who desecrate our temples, Naamghars and sacred spaces. The incident of throwing beef at the town's Hanuman Mandir should have NEVER happened, and those involved WON'T BE SPARED."
He held a high-level meeting in Dhubri with DGP Harmeet Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tiwari, and other senior officials of the state administration.
CM Sarma further stated that he would guard the Hanuman Baba temple all night if needed.
"This time on Eid, some anti-social elements committed a disgusting and condemnable crime by throwing cow meat in the Hanuman temple of Dhubri! If required on the coming Eid, I myself will guard Hanuman Baba's temple all night long," he added.
Although the administration intervened promptly, tension continued to prevail across the town. Sarma visited the temple site to address the situation and interacted with temple committee members and local residents.
He also inspected the temple and its surrounding areas, taking stock of the deployment of security personnel and the government's assured assistance with the temple's development.