KFC outlet in Ghaziabad goes vegetarian after Hindu Raksha Dal protests during Sawan

A KFC outlet in Vasundhara, Ghaziabad, has temporarily removed chicken dishes from its menu and is now serving only vegetarian food, following protests by the Hindu Raksha Dal. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, saw members of the Hindu outfit disrupting operations and forcibly pulling down shutters at the eatery in the Indirapuram area, demanding a ban on meat sales during the ongoing holy month of Sawan and the Kanwar Yatra. Protesters, chanting slogans like "Jai Shri Ram" and "Har Har Mahadev," also staged similar demonstrations outside a local eatery, Nazir.

Police swiftly responded to the scene, dispersing the protesters and bringing the situation under control. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against 8 to 10 individuals allegedly involved in the protest for disturbing public order, with authorities vowing strict action to prevent repeat incidents. Senior police official Abhishek Srivastava confirmed that a detailed probe into the matter is underway to identify the accused. While the management of the KFC outlet has refrained from commenting, the restaurant has put up posters stating "Only Veg Available for Now."

The move comes amidst heightened religious sentiments associated with Sawan, a month dedicated to Lord Shiva where many devotees observe fasts and adhere to vegetarian diets. The ongoing Kanwar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage, further amplifies these sentiments. While there is no official state-wide ban on non-vegetarian food sales in Uttar Pradesh during this period, the incident has reignited discussions on balancing religious practices with business freedoms and individual choices. Customers at the Ghaziabad KFC outlet have reportedly confirmed the temporary shift and largely expressed understanding of the decision, given the cultural and religious context.