The Muslim family fears homelessness as Nagar Palika threatens demolition of Jabbar Khan’s house after he was arrested along with his wife last week
SEHORE — The fear of losing their home now hangs over the family of Jabbar Khan, a Muslim resident of Sehore city, who was arrested last week with his wife Tahira on allegations of religious conversion. The Sehore Nagar Palika has pasted a notice at his two-storey house on Thursday, giving him just 24 hours to produce documents proving ownership, failing which the house could be bulldozed.
The notice has sparked anxiety among locals, who see it as an added punishment before the court has even heard the case. “Why should a man’s house be demolished just because he is accused? Is this justice or intimidation?” asked a neighbour who did not wish to be named.
According to police, a complaint was lodged by a local man, Govind Masure, who alleged that Jabbar and his wife were conducting religious conversions at their home and holding regular prayer meetings. Acting on the complaint, police arrested the couple on 17 August. Superintendent of Police Deepak Shukla confirmed the arrest, saying: “The matter was reported by an informer, and Jabbar was arrested from his house in the Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Nagar Housing Board Colony.”
Soon after, the Nagar Palika moved in, demanding proof of legal construction. Officials have warned that demolition action will follow if papers are not provided.
Local Muslims believe the move is politically motivated. Social worker Rashid Ali said, “Every time there is talk of ‘conversion’, Muslims are harassed. Jabbar is still only an accused, but his family is already being punished by threatening them with homelessness.”
Jabbar’s relatives say they are being unfairly targeted. His cousin, Iqbal Khan, told reporters: “The house was built years ago with our family’s hard-earned money. Now, because of one complaint, we are being treated like criminals. The authorities are not even waiting for the courts to decide.”
The controversy has also raised questions about police handling of the case. Reports say that a policeman named Virendra Ahirwar, who was present during Jabbar’s arrest, has been suspended for negligence. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated against him.
Incidents of action against minorities in Madhya Pradesh over alleged conversions have been on the rise. Rights activists say that laws meant to regulate conversion are being used to harass Muslim and Christian families.
As heavy police deployment continues around Jabbar’s neighbourhood, his family remains in fear. Tahira’s brother, standing outside the house where the notice has been pasted, said quietly: “We don’t know what will happen tomorrow. We only know that our home is in danger.”
