Allegations of Bangladeshi Rohingyas living in Malegaon are being deliberately raised in the media
Team Clarion
MALEGAON — Allegations of the settlement of Bangladeshi Rohingyas in Maharashtra’s industrial city of Malegaon and their supposed acquisition of official documents such as birth certificates to obtain Indian citizenship have raised serious concerns. Young lawyers from the region, when consulted about the situation, argued that these claims are part of a broader agenda to defame Malegaon, with political motives undermining the city’s growth and development.
Several local and provincial lawyers pointed out that while the allegations of Bangladeshi Rohingyas living in Malegaon are being raised in the media, they believe there is a deliberate effort to create a false narrative around the city. According to these lawyers, the issue is part of a conspiracy aimed at delaying vital development projects in the region. The ongoing investigation, they say, is not only wasting the time of government officials but also creating unnecessary suspicion about Malegaon, which is harming its progress and discouraging essential development work.
Advocate Afzal Nawaz, a prominent high court lawyer, criticised the formation of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), suggesting it was politically motivated. According to Nawaz, the SIT was created under political pressure with the stated goal of investigating complaints related to the alleged settlement of Rohingyas. However, Nawaz believes that the real purpose is to target and discredit Malegaon, as well as its political representatives, such as MP Shobha Bachao from Congress and MLA Mufti Muhammad Ismail of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen.
He explained that the agitation surrounding the issue is politically charged, with efforts to create division and fear within the minority community. Nawaz went on to say, “The BJP has ‘given’ Malegaon to Nitish Rane and Kirat Soumya, and it’s become a place where sectarian violence is encouraged. Muslim settlements are being destroyed under the guise of ‘land jihad’ and ‘vote jihad,’ which is creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.”
Nawaz further emphasised that the ongoing political maneuvering and the attacks on Muslim settlements, including incidents in areas like the fort and the residence of Chand Shah Wali, are part of a larger strategy to destabilise the city.
Another lawyer, Aslam Ansari, offered a different perspective, focusing on the legal implications of the SIT’s formation. He noted that there were no public demonstrations or protests demanding the creation of the SIT, and questioned the motivation behind the growing resistance to the investigation. Ansari warned that organising protests or creating unnecessary opposition to the SIT could be seen as obstruction to its legal function, and ultimately may not lead to a resolution of the issue.
He also suggested that political leaders concerned with the welfare of Malegaon should pursue democratic methods of engagement, such as meeting with the state’s governor or chief minister directly, rather than resorting to protests or agitation.
Ansari concluded that the SIT is a legal entity formed according to the rules and that addressing the situation through proper legal channels would be the most productive way forward.
The controversy surrounding Malegaon is not isolated, as similar accusations of Rohingya settlements and the issuance of birth certificates have also been made in other areas, including Bhiwandi, Jalgaon, and Nanded. These accusations, often attributed to BJP leaders, have been used to create political tension and divert attention from local issues of development.
The unfolding situation in Malegaon, marked by the formation of the SIT, heightened political rhetoric, and the ongoing fear within the minority community, highlights the intersection of legal, political, and social issues in the city. Lawyers and political leaders alike are calling for a more balanced and thoughtful approach to ensure the city’s progress, urging that political exploitation and divisive tactics do not further harm the community.
Also read: Fake Birth Certificates: Malegaon Leaders Condemn SIT Formation
