The Hindu Raksha Dal forcefully shut down KFC and Nazeer Foods outlets in Ghaziabad on Friday, citing the sale of meat during the ongoing Sawan period. This action occurred in the Vasundhara area of Ghaziabad, even though there is no official ban on the sale of non-vegetarian food items during Sawan and the Kanwar Yatra.

Videos of the incident show members of the Hindu Raksha Dal chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Jai Shri Ram" as they confronted the restaurant staff and forced them to close the shutters. One member of the group was heard saying to the KFC staff, "This is Hindustan, and whatever the Hindus want will happen here". The staff appeared distressed and were seen making phone calls during the protest.

According to a member of the Hindu Raksha Dal, the outfit had "verbal permission" from the administration for the protest due to their active engagement in the area. Another member stated that the shops would have to remain closed, threatening further protests if they reopened.

The Kanwar Yatra, which began on July 10, involves millions of devotees traveling from Haridwar to local Shiva temples to offer holy water from the Ganga on Shivlingas. Sawan is considered a sacred month for Hindus.

The incident has sparked controversy, with opposition parties like the SP and Congress criticizing the actions, asserting that "eating is something which is related to the personal choice and you cannot press what food you will have to eat".

A case has been registered against the outfit members for protesting and shutting down the outlets, despite the absence of any official restriction on the sale of non-vegetarian food items during Sawan.