Hussain Dalwai claims Muslim youth targeted unilaterally; civic body ready to bulldoze homes of riot suspects
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Congress leader and member of the ‘Satya Shodhan Samiti’, Hussain Dalwai, visited riot-hit areas of Nagpur on Tuesday and accused the police of “one-sided action” against Muslim youth in the aftermath of the recent violence.
Dalwai, who met Police Commissioner Ravinder Singhal earlier in the day, expressed dismay over the handling of the situation. “The police action is one-sided. This incident is regrettable, and the matter should have been resolved with understanding and patience,” he said during a press conference.
He further alleged that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal should not have been permitted to hold protests, suggesting that quicker action against those who burned chadors inscribed with Quranic verses could have prevented the riots from escalating. “Now, unilateral action is being taken against Muslim youth,” Dalwai claimed. “We demand that arrests be made only after verifying CCTV footage. The police are detaining minors — what will happen to their future?”
When questioned about Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ recent remarks on Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, Dalwai advised him to “first read Mughal history” before making claims. “The way Aurangzeb killed Sambhaji Maharaj was cruel, but he did the same to his own brother, Dara Shikoh,” Dalwai argued. He further alleged, “Pundits advised Aurangzeb on the method of killing Sambhaji as per Manusmriti. Will Fadnavis accept this historical fact? These truths cannot be denied.”
Meanwhile, authorities have intensified punitive measures, with the police submitting a list of 51 riot suspects to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). Notices have been issued for the demolition of illegal constructions linked to the accused.
A civic official stated that fully illegal structures face 24-hour demolition notices, while partially legal buildings are given 35 days to comply. However, critics question why long-standing illegal constructions across the city — such as encroachments near Ramdas Peeth, Central Bazaar Road, and Kachhpura — remain untouched.
“Why is action only swift when it targets riot suspects?” asked a resident, speaking on condition of anonymity. “For years, illegal buildings have stood without consequence. This selective enforcement reeks of vendetta.”
