Shiv Sena members hurl eggs, release roosters at jewellery shop after owner supports meat ban

Mumbai: Eggs were hurled and roosters released at a jewellery businessman’s shop by Shiv Sena supporters after he allegedly posted comments supporting the meat ban on a social networking site. However, no complaint was registered in this connection as the matter was settled between the two sides, police said. The incident took place on Friday when Sena supporters, who were already protesting the four-day meat ban (imposed then) in the city during Jain community’s ‘Paryushan’ fasting period, learnt that a jewellery trader supported the meat ban and posted comments in this regard on Facebook, saying that “nobody would die if they don’t eat meat for two days.” [caption id=“attachment_2432326” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. Image courtesy: PTI[/caption] The jewellery businessman, a local BJP worker, later removed the Facebook post. Sources privy to the development said, “Angry Shiv Sena supporters gathered outside the businessman’s shop and not only they hurled eggs at his shop, but also released five cocks and hens at the doorsteps of his shop which prompted the shop owner to call the police.” However, after the Samta Nagar police’s timely intervention, both the sides settled the matter. “After the matter was settled by both the parties, we did not register any complaint or FIR against anyone,” Samta Nagar police station incharge Dilip Yadav said. A similar ban on sale of meat had also been imposed by Mira-Bhayander and Navi Mumbai municipal corporations in Mumbai’s adjoining Thane district. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had earlier said his party would ensure that there was no ban on sale of meat. While the ruling BJP in Maharashtra has defended the ban imposed by Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), the Sena and opposition MNS, Congress and NCP have strongly opposed it, alleging that the move was aimed at polarising voters and appeasing a section of society before the crucial MCGM polls in early 2017. However, MCGM on Friday had told the Bombay High Court that it has decided to withdraw its decision. While the civic body announced the ban for September 13 and 18, the government had banned it for September 10 and 17. BMC’s decision to withdraw the ban would mean that the city would now go without meat only on September 17. PTI