Muslim Couple Humiliated, Forced to Chant “Jai Shri Ram” in India

A Muslim couple were allegedly forced to kneel and chant “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Gau Mata” after being accused of carrying meat in Bhubaneswar, the capital of India’s Odisha state. The incident reportedly took place on August 19, while a video of the incident surfaced on social media on August 23.

The video shows a group of self-styled cow vigilantes humiliating the couple. They allegedly made them hold their ears, kneel and repeatedly chant the slogans. The vigilantes were also heard shouting “Gau Mata” while recording the incident. One of the vigilantes can be heard saying, “Say Jai Shri Ram, say Jai Gau Mata.” The couple then repeat the slogans and say, “A mistake has been made.” Some local residents later gathered at the scene and began chanting the slogans as well. Several police officers arrived after being informed of the incident to bring the situation under control.

Under the Odisha Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1960, cow slaughter is prohibited in the state. The BJP-led Odisha government has also indicated plans to replace the 1960 law with stricter legislation.