Tension in Muzaffarnagar colony after Hindu group protests over Muslim-bought homes
Members of a Hindu group recited the Hanuman Chalisa outside houses bought by Muslim families in Muzaffarnagar's Janakpuri Colony as officials inspected the properties. The protest led to two houses being sealed, while verification of other purchases and competing claims continued.
Tension prevailed in Janakpuri Colony of Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar on Wednesday after members of a Hindu organisation staged a protest outside houses purchased by Muslim families and recited the Hanuman Chalisa, alleging demographic changes in the area.
The incident took place after members of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti reached the colony and began prayers outside some houses purchased by Muslim families. Police and administrative officials reached the spot after receiving information about the gathering and began an inquiry.
ADMINISTRATION SEALS TWO HOUSES AFTER INITIAL INSPECTION
During the inspection, officials found that some Muslim families had purchased around six houses in the Hindu-dominated colony. Authorities said four of these houses were built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
Following a preliminary assessment, the district administration sealed two houses that were allegedly constructed under the government housing scheme and removed the occupants from those properties. Officials said verification of the remaining houses is still underway.
HINDU GROUP RAISES ALLEGATIONS OVER PROPERTY PURCHASES
Members of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti alleged that some people were deliberately purchasing houses in the colony, claiming that such developments were affecting the area’s demographic balance.
Samiti convenor Narendra Pawar said, “We will not migrate now, we will fight,” and demanded action against people who, according to him, were trying to disturb the social atmosphere of the city.
Pawar also announced that members of the Hindu community would organise a Hanuman Chalisa recitation every Tuesday at 7 pm in the colony until the Muslim families leave the area.
WHAT MUSLIM FAMILIES CLAIM
The Muslim families who purchased the houses said they were unaware that some properties were linked to the government housing scheme.
One resident, Mohammad Azim, said the authorities suddenly informed them about the issue and sealed the house without prior notice. He claimed that the property had been purchased about one-and-a-half months ago and that no objections were raised by neighbours at the time.
Azim said he paid around Rs 23.25 lakh for the house and alleged that the seller did not inform him that it was constructed under the government scheme.
He questioned the action, saying the family had invested money in the property and was now left without a place to stay.
POLICE SAY LEGAL PROCESS BEING FOLLOWED
ASP Siddharth Mishra said police received information that around 20-25 people had gathered outside two to three houses in Janakpuri Colony and were making certain demands.
“The Civil Lines police reached the spot and inspected the situation. Administrative officials were also informed. The tehsildar is present at the location and is assessing the complaints being raised by the public. Action is being taken as per the law,” he said.
Authorities said further action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing verification process.