Bareilly Development Authority demolishes the shops; residents claim the action is one-sided and driven by pressure after September unrest
BAREILLY — Authorities in this Uttar Pradesh town have demolished a two-storey market belonging to Mohammad Arif, a close associate of influential cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza, in an action that many Muslims in the area say is part of a growing pattern of targeting members of their community after any local disturbance.
The demolition took place on Saturday with officials from the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) arriving at the Pilibhit bypass location with police protection. The market, which had more than two dozen shops and a showroom, had earlier been sealed by the administration.
Several Muslim traders gathered at the spot and expressed anger over the timing and manner of the demolition.
A trader who had a rented shop in the building said, “The administration did not give us a fair chance. They say it is illegal, but this looks like punishment because Arif is seen close to Maulana Tauqeer Raza. This is pressure, not justice.”
Another resident said the continuing use of bulldozers against Muslims has created fear. “Whenever there is any protest, the administration targets Muslim houses and shops. Why are Hindu properties never touched in similar cases?” he asked.
Officials said that 16 shops were part of the structure. Traders were given a short time to remove their goods before machines moved in.
The Joint Secretary of the Bareilly Development Authority told IANS: “Action is being taken against illegal encroachments and buildings. Arif’s property had 16 shops. We are acting as per the rules and will continue to do so.”
However, Muslim groups say the rules are being applied selectively. A local social worker said, “If a building is illegal, due process should be followed for everyone. But when Muslims are involved, actions are sudden and harsh.”
The demolition comes weeks after tension broke out in Bareilly on 26 September after Friday prayers. A crowd had gathered with posters saying “I Love Muhammad,” and police claimed the gathering had no permission.
During the crowd movement, pushing and scuffles took place, followed by stone-pelting when tempers rose. Police responded with lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. Since then, the administration has been taking action mainly against Muslim individuals linked to the area.
Before Arif, the administration had demolished parts of the property owned by Nafees Khan, another close associate of Maulana Tauqeer Raza.
A Muslim resident said, “There were thousands of people on that day. Only two names are picked again and again because they are close to Maulana Tauqeer Raza. This is not fair.”
Community members say the continuous demolitions are creating an atmosphere of fear among Muslims, especially those connected to religious groups or leaders.
A supporter of Maulana Tauqeer Raza said, “Bulldozers have become a tool to scare Muslims. These actions happen only after a protest. If this is really about illegal buildings, then make a list of all illegal buildings in Bareilly and start from there.”
As the administration says it will continue to act against “illegal constructions,” Muslim families worry that more shops and houses linked to their community may be next.
