Ashfaq Sheikh claims local police fail to register his complaint despite a recorded conversation allegedly containing discriminatory remarks
KALYAN — A fresh case of alleged housing discrimination against Muslims has surfaced in Kalyan in Maharashtra, where a local Muslim resident has approached senior police officials on Sunday after reportedly being denied a flat solely because of his religion.
The complainant, Ashfaq Fazal Karim Sheikh, alleged that a property dealer refused to sell or provide a flat to him after learning that he was Muslim. He has also accused the dealer of using insulting and discriminatory language during the conversation.
According to the written complaint submitted to the Bazarpeth Police Station and senior police officers, Ashfaq Sheikh had contacted a number linked to a housing project to inquire about purchasing a flat.
He alleged that when he asked whether Muslims were allowed to buy property in the project, the person on the phone clearly replied that flats would not be given to Muslims.
Ashfaq claimed the incident amounted to religious discrimination and violated constitutional guarantees of equality and dignity.
“This attitude is against humanity and against the Constitution, which gives every citizen equal rights without discrimination,” he stated in the complaint.
The complainant further claimed that he possesses a recording of the conversation in which the alleged discriminatory remarks were made.
Ashfaq Sheikh also expressed disappointment over the response of local police officials. He alleged that when he visited the police station to file a formal complaint, officers showed little interest in registering his case despite his waiting there for a long period.
Following the alleged inaction, the matter was reportedly raised before senior police authorities.
In his complaint, Ashfaq demanded immediate registration of an FIR against the owner of the mobile number involved in the conversation. He also called for strict legal action against those accused of spreading religious hatred and discrimination.
He urged authorities to take preventive steps so that similar incidents do not recur and communal harmony in the city remains protected.
The incident has once again brought attention to complaints by Muslims in several cities regarding difficulties in renting or purchasing homes because of their religious identity.
Housing discrimination has been repeatedly raised by activists and civil rights groups, who argue that many Muslim families face hidden barriers while searching for accommodation in urban areas.
A social activist from Maharashtra said, “Refusing housing based on religion weakens the idea of equal citizenship and creates fear among minorities.”
At the time of reporting, there was no official public response from the property dealer regarding the allegations made in the complaint.
Police officials have also not yet issued a detailed statement on whether an FIR has been registered in the matter.
