The demolition raises questions over due process as political claims begin and calls grow to avoid a communal angle and ensure a fair probe
MUMBAI — Demolition of a house linked to a 19-year-old accused in a sexual exploitation case in Maharashtra’s Amravati district has triggered sharp reactions, with questions raised over due process and attempts by some leaders to give the matter a political and communal turn.
The incident took place in Achalpur, where the local municipal council carried out demolition work on the house of the main accused, identified as Ayaz Tanveer. Officials said parts of the structure were found to be unauthorised during an inspection. A notice was issued to the family, and the identified portion was demolished on Wednesday under police presence.
Police said the accused was arrested along with three others — Uzair Iqbal Khan, Tabrez Tasleem Khan and Saad Sadiq — from the twin towns of Achalpur and Paratwada. They are accused of sexually exploiting several young women and recording objectionable videos.
According to police sources, a large number of explicit videos were recovered from the mobile phone of the main accused. “We are examining whether these videos were shared with others. Some clips have already been circulated on social media,” a senior officer said.
Investigators added that although some data had been deleted, cyber experts were attempting to recover it. Women officers have also been involved in the probe. During initial questioning, the accused reportedly disclosed the names of seven alleged victims. A court has remanded him to police custody until 21 April.
The case has now moved beyond policing into the political arena. Anil Bonde, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member of the Rajya Sabha, alleged that the accused was linked to All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and claimed that the case involved an organised group operating through social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Snapchat. He also suggested that CCTV footage from a hotel in the Chikhaldara area could reveal more details.
However, these claims have not been independently verified by investigators so far.
On the other hand, Pyare Khan, Chairman of the state Minority Commission, called for strict legal action against all those involved but cautioned against giving the case a religious colour. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, he said, “This is a serious crime against humanity. It must be dealt with strictly under the law, but it should not be turned into a communal issue.”
He also supported strong measures against the accused, including property attachment if required under law, but stressed that justice must be guided by evidence and legal procedure.
A complaint has been submitted to the minority commission from Achalpur. Officials confirmed that a special team will visit Achalpur and Paratwada to assess the situation on the ground. The team is expected to review the condition of the alleged victims, the progress of the police investigation, and the role of local authorities.
Legal observers and civil rights voices have also raised concerns about the use of demolition in such cases. They point out that while authorities cited building violations, such actions often coincide with criminal accusations, raising questions about whether due process is being followed uniformly.
Residents in the area described a tense atmosphere during the demolition. “There was a heavy police deployment. People were watching, but many were also worried about what was happening,” said a local shopkeeper, requesting anonymity.
Another resident said, “If someone has committed a crime, he should be punished by law. But demolishing a house like this makes people uneasy. It should be done carefully and fairly.”
The police have maintained that the investigation is ongoing and that all aspects, including the possible involvement of others, are being examined. Officials said more arrests could follow based on evidence recovered from digital devices.
As the case continues to unfold, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims while avoiding attempts to inflame tensions. Authorities have urged the public not to share unverified content related to the case, warning that circulating such material could harm the victims further and affect the investigation.
