Home of Muslim man bulldozed in Madhya Pradesh under communal pressure
New Delhi: The demolition of a Muslim man’s house in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh has drawn sharp criticism from rights activists and minority groups, who termed the action as an example of India’s growing “bulldozer justice” targeting Muslims under communal pressure.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the house of Amjad, accused of raping a tribal girl, was razed to the ground after protests by Hindu groups demanding “strict action.” The demolition came a day after his arrest, with officials claiming that the structure was “illegally built.” However, members of the Muslim community alleged that the administration acted hastily to appease right-wing organizations instead of waiting for the court’s verdict.
Eyewitnesses said that a heavy police contingent accompanied the demolition team, giving the family little time to vacate their home. “The accused is already in jail. Why punish his family before trial?” a relative asked. Local activist Mohammad Arif said the move was part of a disturbing trend in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, where houses of Muslim accused are demolished immediately after allegations, while similar action is never taken against majority community members.
Rights defenders condemned the act as unconstitutional and communal. “If Amjad is guilty, let the court decide. Destroying his home is collective punishment,” said Delhi-based advocate Faizan Ali. They urged the Madhya Pradesh government to end the practice of using bulldozers as instruments of intimidation against minorities.
