KFC outlet shut by 'Hindu Raksha Dal' over non-vegetarian sales during Sawan

Members of the 'Hindu Raksha Dal' on Thursday staged a protest outside a KFC outlet and a local eatery named Nazir in Ghaziabad's Vasundhara area, demanding a ban on the sale of non-vegetarian food during the holy Hindu month of Sawan. The demonstrations disrupted operations and led to the temporary shutdown of both establishments, with police later registering a case against the protestors for disturbing public order.

The incident, widely captured and circulated on social media, shows members of the right-wing outfit carrying saffron flags and chanting religious slogans like "Jai Sri Ram" and "Har Har Mahadev." Videos depict protesters forcibly pulling down the shutter of the KFC outlet and entering restaurant premises to confront staff, insisting that "all of these items (non-veg) should be banned in the month of Sawan." While no physical violence was reported, the group's actions underscore their demand for adherence to religious sentiments during the sacred period.

Sawan, also known as Shravan, is a significant month in the Hindu calendar, particularly for devotees of Lord Shiva, many of whom observe fasts and refrain from consuming meat and other non-vegetarian items. The Kanwar Yatra, a major pilgrimage, also takes place during this time. Although local authorities in some areas may impose partial restrictions on meat sales near pilgrimage routes, there is no state-wide ban in Uttar Pradesh. The forceful shutdowns have ignited discussions on the balance between religious observances and business freedoms.