Residents accuse the administration of unfair action and political revenge in the colony linked to Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s associate
NEW DELHI/BAREILLY – Tension has gripped the Uttar Pradesh city after the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) issued notices to 27 homeowners in Faik Enclave, a housing project linked to Mohammad Arif, a close associate of Maulana Tauqeer Raza. Many locals believe this action is not merely an administrative step but part of a larger plan to target Muslims who supported the cleric.
The controversy began after the 26 September clash over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ posters, during which several people were injured. Police later arrested Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief and influential cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza, blaming him for the unrest. Since then, residents say the administration has been trying to weaken those connected to him.
Faik Enclave, located on the Pilibhit bypass, is described by its residents as a peaceful neighbourhood. Yet the sudden notices have caused anxiety. According to the BDA, many houses were built without map approval and part of the colony stands on government land.
A senior BDA officer said, “These constructions are against the rules. If the owners fail to justify them, we will take action which may include their sealing or removal.”
However, residents argue they are being punished because of their religious identity. One homeowner said, “Our homes were not built in one day. If there were problems, why did the authorities stay silent all these years? Now suddenly, after Maulana Sahab was jailed, they have found faults.”
Another resident, a retired government official, shared his concern: “We followed the instructions given to us by the builder. If there were mistakes, they are not ours. Why should families be pushed into fear just to settle political scores?”
Locals say Mohammad Arif began the project years ago with proper paperwork. The administration now claims irregularities and says the land may include government property. Officials are checking ownership records and say more action will follow once the report is complete.
Political observers say the real issue is not land but pressure. A Bareilly social worker remarked, “Whenever Muslims try to build a community space or settlement, the administration finds a problem. But colonies in other areas do not face such sudden bulldozer threats. This is clearly one-sided.”
The fear of bulldozers has become a harsh reality for Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. Many residents believe demolitions are used as punishment rather than policy. A young resident said, “The bulldozer has become a symbol of fear for Muslims. It feels like our faith decides whether our homes survive.”
While the BDA maintains it is acting under law, community leaders disagree. They question why the colony was allowed to grow if it was illegal and why the notices came only after a Muslim leader was arrested.
A resident summed up the mood, saying, “We want justice, not humiliation. Our homes are built with our life savings. They are not weapons. This is not development; this is intimidation.”
As the deadline for replies approaches, Bareilly waits in fear. What happens next may determine whether this is lawful regulation or yet another chapter in what local Muslims see as deliberate targeting of their community.
