Dr Izhar Munshi’s home was destroyed by the Municipal Corporation using explosives. He alleges bribery demands and illegal action. Even the city’s mayor has raised objections
NEW DELHI/INDORE — A four-storey house belonging to Dr Izhar Munshi was demolished by the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) on Sunday, sparking widespread controversy and strong reactions on social media. The building, located behind C-21 Mall, was brought down using explosives, despite the house owner’s claims that he had followed all legal procedures.
Dr Munshi alleges that the demolition was carried out even though the building’s map had been approved and property taxes were paid in full. “The Municipal Corporation workers asked me to pay a bribe of ₹10 lakh. I gave ₹5 lakh, but they still destroyed my house because I did not give the rest,” he said.
He also claimed that the matter was still pending in the state high court and no final decision had been given. “They didn’t even wait for the court’s order. They deliberately weakened the middle pillar before blasting the house,” said Dr Munshi. “This is a complete misuse of power, and I will now take this matter to the chief minister.”
IMC officials claimed that the building was unsafe and had to be demolished for public safety. “The owner was given notice. The construction went beyond the approved plan and continued even after the deadline,” said Municipal Commissioner Shivam Verma.
However, Dr Munshi denied these allegations. “There was no construction going on. The house was completed two years ago. Everything was done after getting approval from the Municipal Corporation. Even the plot was bought legally from the Indore Development Authority,” he explained.
Muslims across Madhya Pradesh, including in Indore and Bhopal, are reportedly facing increasing discrimination. There has already been a recent demand in the city to ban Muslim trainers from gyms
The issue has taken a political turn. Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava has objected to the IMC’s action. “This kind of step should not have been taken without following proper legal procedure,” the mayor said.
The incident also comes at a time when Muslims across Madhya Pradesh, including in Indore and Bhopal, are reportedly facing increasing discrimination. There has already been a recent demand in the city to ban Muslim trainers from gyms.
Following public outrage, the Municipal Commissioner removed the building officer and inspector from the building branch. Sources also suggest that a state minister may have intervened in the matter after the demolition.
A video of the incident has gone viral, showing the moment of the blast and the house collapsing to the ground. People on social media are expressing concern over what many are calling an act of injustice.
Dr Munshi has now filed a case in the high court, challenging the demolition. The first hearing was held on Monday, where he was asked to make some changes in the petition. The next hearing will take place after the amendment.
The case continues to raise serious questions about the functioning of the Municipal Corporation and the treatment of minority communities. As the legal battle continues, many are watching closely to see if justice will be served.
