Muslim residents question possible bulldozer action and raise concerns over selective targeting under the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Conversion Law
MIRZAPUR – Police and revenue officials in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district on Tuesday measured the house of jailed businessman Imran Khan, the main accused in a controversial religious conversion case that has drawn strong reactions from members of the local Muslim community.
The exercise was carried out by a joint team from Deehath Kotwali and Katra Kotwali police stations, along with revenue department officials. Authorities said the survey of the property was conducted as part of the ongoing investigation under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act.
Imran Khan, who runs several gyms in the district, is currently in judicial custody. He was arrested earlier this year after police accused him of running a network that allegedly targeted women trainees at gyms.
Police officials confirmed that the measurement of the house was completed in the presence of officers and government staff.
Deehath Kotwali in-charge Amit Mishra told reporters that the action was connected to the ongoing probe.
“We are preparing for further action against Imran as per the ongoing investigation. The measurement of his house was carried out in the presence of police teams and revenue staff,” Mishra said.
Officials have not confirmed whether demolition action will follow, but the survey has led to speculation in the area about possible bulldozer action, a practice that has been used in several cases involving Muslims in Uttar Pradesh in recent years.
According to police, Imran Khan was arrested at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi while allegedly attempting to leave for Dubai.
Investigators claim that he was the main person behind a group that used gyms to befriend women trainees. Police allege that some women were secretly recorded and later blackmailed using objectionable AI-generated material.
Authorities further claim that the accused pressured some women into religious conversion and extorted money from them, sometimes taking loans in their names.
Police say more than 50 women may have been targeted, although only a small number have formally filed complaints so far.
Following the case, authorities sealed five gyms that were allegedly linked to the accused network.
Imran Khan’s brother, Lucky Khan, has not yet been arrested. Police have announced a reward for information that could lead to his capture.
So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case. Among them is Khalilur Rahman, described by police as a religious scholar who was allegedly involved in the activities being investigated.
Imran Khan had approached the district court seeking bail, but his request was rejected. He remains in jail while the investigation continues.
Police say the case is being handled under the anti-conversion law and other criminal charges, including extortion and harassment.
The police action has caused concern among many residents of the Muslim locality where Imran Khan’s house is located.
Community members say the property measurement and talk of possible demolition have created anxiety, particularly because the case is still being heard in court.
Ahmed Ali, a resident and community figure, questioned the timing and purpose of the survey.
“This seems like a clear case of bias against Muslims in Uttar Pradesh,” he said. “Imran is already in jail and the case is still before the court, yet authorities are measuring his house and talking about bulldozers. Where is this kind of action when powerful people from other communities commit serious crimes?”
Ali said many Muslims feel they are being unfairly portrayed in such cases.
“Indian Muslims often feel they are being singled out and blamed even before the courts decide anything,” he added.
Another resident from the area, who asked not to be named, said the family living in the house is worried about what may happen next.
“Imran’s house is his family’s hard-earned property,” the resident said. “If there is any illegality, the courts should decide it. But demolishing homes before the legal process is completed sends a wrong message.”
The resident added that such actions affect innocent family members.
“His family members live there. They are not accused in the case. They should not suffer because of allegations that are still being tested in court,” the resident said.
Several Muslim organisations and community representatives have called for a fair and transparent investigation into the case.
They say the authorities must ensure that legal procedures are followed and that no action is taken before the courts conclude the case hearing.
Community leaders have also warned that actions such as demolition without a final court verdict may increase tension and deepen mistrust between communities.
A senior member of a local Muslim group said investigations should remain focused on evidence.
“We want the truth to come out,” he said. “If anyone has committed a crime, the law should deal with it. But the process must be fair and equal for everyone.”
Police officials, however, maintain that their actions are based on legal procedures and that the survey of the property is part of a routine investigation.
Authorities say the case involves serious allegations and they are continuing to gather evidence.
No official statement has been released confirming whether demolition action will take place. Officials say decisions regarding property action depend on legal review and administrative procedures.
The case has attracted attention across Uttar Pradesh because of the serious allegations and the sensitive issue of religious conversion.
For many in the Muslim community, the developments in Mirzapur reflect wider concerns about how anti-conversion laws are being used.
Residents say they are watching closely to see how the legal process unfolds.
As the investigation continues, the court proceedings are expected to play a key role in determining the outcome of the case and the future of the accused.
For now, the measurement of Imran Khan’s house has added another layer of tension to an already controversial case, leaving
