The Crossbill News Desk
Rampur Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Singh has drawn criticism after saying that a “true Muslim” would not slaughter or consume cows in a manner that offends members of other communities, and describing those who do so as either not Muslims or “harami*s”.
Singh made the remarks while speaking to reporters about cattle slaughter, amid a series of police encounters with people accused in such cases. He later sought to clarify his comments, saying they were intended as a “social and cordial appeal” and were not meant to hurt the sentiments of any religious community.
Singh told reporters that Islam deems ‘haram’ (forbidden) the slaughter and consumption of an animal when doing so offends other communities.
“A true Muslim can never do something like that. So those who do this – and I am very surprised by it – are either not Muslims or are haramis,” he said on camera.
The Hindi word harami can refer to someone who commits haram but is also an expletive that means ‘bastard’ or ‘scoundrel’.
“And it is my job to treat haramis,” Singh added.
The comments triggered criticism, following which Rampur police issued a statement on Friday (August 7) in which Singh said he had been referring to the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary and was “merely (making) a social and cordial appeal”.
“If any incidents occur during the month of Shravan that offend the religious sentiments of members of other communities, such actions should be avoided,” Singh said, adding that his “statement was not intended to hurt the sentiments of any religion, community or individual”.
The controversy comes during Shravan, a month considered sacred by Hindus in several parts of north India and during which the Kanwad Yatra is held.
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have in recent years imposed restrictions on the sale of meat along pilgrimage routes and in certain areas during the period, citing religious sensitivities.
Singh's comments also come against the backdrop of police action against suspected cattle slaughterers in Rampur. The Rampur police have been involved in at least three ‘encounters’ with suspects since July 27.
Photos and videos released by the police following the incidents show some of the accused with injuries to their legs and subsequently limping.
Singh made the remarks while speaking to reporters about cattle slaughter, amid a series of police encounters with people accused in such cases. He later sought to clarify his comments, saying they were intended as a “social and cordial appeal” and were not meant to hurt the sentiments of any religious community.
Singh told reporters that Islam deems ‘haram’ (forbidden) the slaughter and consumption of an animal when doing so offends other communities.
“A true Muslim can never do something like that. So those who do this – and I am very surprised by it – are either not Muslims or are haramis,” he said on camera.
The Hindi word harami can refer to someone who commits haram but is also an expletive that means ‘bastard’ or ‘scoundrel’.
“And it is my job to treat haramis,” Singh added.
"Har#*iyon ka ilaaz karna hi mera kaam hai"
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) August 7, 2026
Anil Singh, superintendent of Police Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, explaining the difference between a "true Muslim" and "harami Muslim". pic.twitter.com/bDhl98GY4H
The comments triggered criticism, following which Rampur police issued a statement on Friday (August 7) in which Singh said he had been referring to the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary and was “merely (making) a social and cordial appeal”.
“If any incidents occur during the month of Shravan that offend the religious sentiments of members of other communities, such actions should be avoided,” Singh said, adding that his “statement was not intended to hurt the sentiments of any religion, community or individual”.
The controversy comes during Shravan, a month considered sacred by Hindus in several parts of north India and during which the Kanwad Yatra is held.
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have in recent years imposed restrictions on the sale of meat along pilgrimage routes and in certain areas during the period, citing religious sensitivities.
Singh's comments also come against the backdrop of police action against suspected cattle slaughterers in Rampur. The Rampur police have been involved in at least three ‘encounters’ with suspects since July 27.
Photos and videos released by the police following the incidents show some of the accused with injuries to their legs and subsequently limping.
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