NEW DELHI/JALAUN – In yet another example of what many describe as selective bulldozer justice against Muslims, the Uttar Pradesh administration on Saturday demolished the home of Majid, a local resident accused in connection with the Jalaun violence case.
The incident traces back to a quarrel at the Shatabdi Travels office in Orai in Uttar Pradesh, where a dispute over a video recording involving a couple allegedly escalated into stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism. Police registered cases and arrested five people, including Majid.
What followed has stirred deep concerns among Muslims across the state: the administration brought in bulldozers and razed Majid’s house located on Jail Road, claiming it was constructed illegally. At the same time, officials demolished the Shatabdi Travels office, also said to be unauthorised.
While the state insists this is part of its “zero tolerance policy”, Muslim community leaders argue that such measures are applied selectively and almost always against Muslims.
Speaking to Clarion India, Rashid Khan, a local resident, said: “Whenever there is a disturbance, the administration brings bulldozers only to Muslim houses. Why do they not demolish the properties of Hindu accused in other riots? This is not justice, it is discrimination.”
Activists also raised questions on whether demolishing homes, often built after years of hard work, can be considered legal punishment without a proper court trial.
Superintendent of Police Dr Durgesh Kumar stated: “Five accused have been arrested, including Majid. More people have been identified through CCTV footage. No one who disturbs law and order will be spared.”
The SP added that the authorities were also investigating illegal properties owned by the accused and that government land encroached upon had already been cleared.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
