Authorities accused of using bulldozers as tools of political retribution
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – A recent fact-finding report has exposed a troubling pattern of bulldozer operations across the country, revealing that these are predominantly targeting Muslim properties. The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) report, unveiled at a press conference here on Saturday, highlights the misuse of bulldozers as a tool of political retribution rather than legitimate legal action.
Advocate Muzamil Rizvi and Advocate Huzaifa, who were part of the fact-finding team visiting Udaipur in Rajasthan, reported that the bulldozer actions are linked to isolated incidents that were deliberately escalated into communal issues. “The recent incident in Udaipur, involving a minor stabbing, was given a communal spin. Despite there being no justification for such bulldozer actions, properties linked to the accused and their families were razed,” Rizvi and Huzaifa noted.
One notable case involved Salim Khan, whose residence was demolished following a violent mob attack on August 17. The mob targeted people from a specific community and attempted to destroy their shops. Despite Rashid Khan, the house owner, appealing against the demolition, his property was destroyed by bulldozers.
In Madhya Pradesh, Javed Akhtar of the fact-finding team reported an incident on August 21 where Haji Shahzad Ali’s bungalow was demolished after police wrongly accused him of leading a violent crowd. “People had gathered peacefully at the police station to file a complaint when stones were thrown by miscreants. The police, without proper investigation, accused Haji Shahzad Ali and demolished his property,” Akhtar explained.
The press conference also featured a panel discussion on the implications of these bulldozer actions. Human rights activist Harsh Mendar criticised the operations, stating, “Historically, bulldozer operations have targeted the poor, but now they are focusing on Muslims. There is no legal basis for demolishing homes as punishment for crimes. We must speak out or this will continue.”
Wajahat Habibullah, a former Information Commissioner, condemned the bulldozer actions as illegal, contrasting them with previous efforts to avoid community discrimination. “The current administration is attempting to disenfranchise 20% of the population for political gains,” Habibullah said.
Member of Parliament Prof. Manoj Jha echoed these concerns, asserting that bulldozer operations exclusively target Muslims and are not sanctioned by any legal framework. “Bulldozers are not mentioned in any section of the IPC or the new criminal law. This selective demolition of Muslim properties must be opposed by all, regardless of community,” Jha stated.
Senior journalist Bhasha Singh criticised the mainstream media for its passive role, suggesting that it has become complicit in the government’s actions. “The media is failing in its duty, acting as a puppet of the government and ignoring the broader implications of these demolitions,” Singh said.
The report and subsequent discussion have sparked calls for increased scrutiny and action to address the perceived misuse of power against Muslim communities in India.