The Dhulagarh cattle market near Kolkata sits nearly empty days before Eid al-Adha, as fear spreads following the new BJP government's enforcement of cattle slaughter laws. (Global 1 News)

KOLKATA, India — Just days before Eid al-Adha, one of Islam's most sacred festivals, a historic political shift in West Bengal has turned a sprawling cattle market into a ghost town.

The Dhulagarh cattle market, normally teeming with thousands of animals and buyers ahead of the festival of sacrifice, now sits nearly empty. Traders huddle in small groups, speaking in hushed tones. Most have packed up their livestock. Many have fled.

"I brought 30 bulls here on Monday. I have sold two. My truck driver is refusing to stay another night because he is afraid of being stopped and beaten," said Mohammad Aslam, a 45-year-old trader who has worked the Dhulagarh market for two decades. "I don't know if I'll come back."

The atmosphere of fear follows the May 6 electoral victory of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party — the first time the BJP has won control of West Bengal's state assembly. New Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who took office the following day, immediately ordered strict enforcement of a 1950 state law that bans the slaughter of cows and most bulls.

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Muslim cattle traders at the Dhulagarh market say they fear vigilante attacks and police enforcement under the new government. (Global 1 News)

Under the previous administration of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, the 1950 law was largely ignored. That has changed abruptly.

Traders say the enforcement has empowered vigilante groups. "Who will protect us from the cow vigilantes?" asked Abdul Karim, a livestock broker from nearby Howrah.

Local Muslim leaders have appealed to the chief minister for a temporary exemption for the holy festival. No response has been given.

"We are asking for mercy, for understanding," said Maulana Shafiqur Rahman, a cleric near the market. "But we do not expect any. The silence from the government is louder than any statement."

— Jessica Ali, Global 1 News | Published May 25, 2026