In Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh, a local Muslim village head has come under scrutiny after being accused of serving non-vegetarian food during the Hindu festival of Janmashtami a controversy that has quickly escalated, with some right-wing groups branding it as “biryani jihad,” echoing other communal narratives like “love jihad” and “spit jihad.”
Mohammad Shami, elected head of Raipur Chinhat Pur village, along with his sons Mohammad Saif Ali and Talib Ali, and four others, is accused of deliberately distributing biryani containing meat during the festival, a charge he firmly denies. The complaint, filed by local resident Sunil, claims the act was a calculated attempt to offend religious sentiments and interfere with Hindu traditions. Two individuals have been arrested, while authorities continue to collect evidence.
Shami, however, says the accusations are politically motivated and completely baseless. “There was no food distribution on Janmashtami. My team and I were coordinating flood relief across more than 25 villages. The meals provided were for those impacted by the disaster not tied to any festival or religious practice,” he told reporters.
The region has experienced severe flooding this year, leaving many villages in distress. Shami, in his capacity as village head, has led efforts to deliver food and supplies via boat to affected areas. Local eyewitnesses and beneficiaries confirm that the food distributed was primarily vegetarian and aimed at helping flood victims in urgent need.
Razia Begum, a resident of a neighbouring village, defended Shami’s actions: “He’s one of the few people who actively helps during crises. He’s fed people from all communities without discrimination. These accusations are a cruel distortion of his work.”
Despite this, a case has been registered at Kampil police station. Additional Superintendent of Police Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh confirmed the development: “A report has been filed based on the complaint by Sunil. Two arrests have been made. We are in the process of collecting evidence, and appropriate legal action will follow.”
However, many locals believe the case has less to do with religious sentiment and more to do with political rivalry. Several villagers expressed concern that Shami’s prominent role in flood relief may have made him a target.
Mohammad Iqbal, a teacher in the area, remarked, “It’s deeply unfortunate that someone who provides for people during emergencies is being painted as a communal provocateur. His relief work should be applauded, not criminalised.”
Others echo the sentiment, highlighting Shami’s long-standing record of serving all communities. “He’s never been involved in any communal incident before,” said Amina Khan, a community organiser. “To link his humanitarian work with religious provocation is absurd.”
As the investigation proceeds, local authorities have urged restraint, stressing the importance of due process. Relief operations continue in flood-affected areas, even as political tensions simmer.
“The matter is under investigation. Truth will emerge through legal procedure,” said Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh. “Meanwhile, flood relief remains a top priority.”
The incident has sparked wider debate on how community leaders, particularly those from minority communities, can become targets amid polarising political climates. As the facts unfold, many in Farrukhabad are watching closely, hopeful that the case will be resolved fairly and that essential relief efforts won’t be derailed by controversy.
