The video of a Barabanki accountant demanding a bribe from Sajida Khatoon has sparked public outrage
NEW DELHI/BARABANKI — In yet another shocking case casting aspersions on the integrity of government machinery, a video has surfaced from the Fatehpur tehsil of Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh, showing a revenue officer threatening a Muslim woman and extorting ₹5,000 from her. The victim, Sajida Khatoon, was living in her ancestral home in Hata Qazi village when she was targeted by local revenue staff.
In the video, which has now gone viral on social media, accountant Kuldeep Verma is seen taking money from Sajida Khatoon while also signing certain papers. The incident has triggered anger and concern among the local population, particularly in the Muslim community, which already feels increasingly unsafe and targeted under the present system.
Speaking to reporters, Sajida Khatoon said, “Lekhpal Kuldeep Verma told me that if I didn’t pay ₹5,000, he would bring a bulldozer to demolish my house. I was terrified and didn’t know what to do. I live alone and this is the only shelter I have.”
According to her, the matter began when she was falsely accused under Section 115C regarding construction on her Gata number — a term used in land records to denote plot identification. She said she had been living there for years, and no such complaint or legal notice had ever been served to her before.
She added, “They said I had illegally built the house, which is a lie. This is my father’s home. I was forced to pay the bribe just to save it.”
A local resident who captured the video on his phone said, “We recorded the video because we have seen many poor families being threatened like this. Today it was Sajida Baji, tomorrow it could be someone else.”
The video shows the official taking the money without any shame or hesitation. He also signs a document, which Sajida claims was to close the case. Social media users have widely condemned the act, calling it yet another example of misuse of power against minorities.
Several Muslim organisations have expressed concern over what they call a “pattern of harassment” against the community. A local cleric, Maulana Wasi Ahmad, said, “Muslims are being harassed on false pretexts. From bulldozers to police cases, everything is being used to silence us. We demand strict action against this officer.”
Rights activists have also called for an impartial probe. Advocate Shabnam Rizvi, a human rights lawyer based in Lucknow, said, “This is not an isolated case. From Delhi to Uttar Pradesh, such bulldozer threats are being used more often against Muslims. It is time to investigate how power is being misused in the name of law.”
Meanwhile, the District Magistrate of Barabanki has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Calls to the administration have gone unanswered, and there is no confirmation if any suspension or inquiry has been ordered against the accused.
Senior journalist Imran Saifi said, “This incident shows how the bulldozer, which should be a tool for removing encroachments, has now become a weapon of fear for Muslims. It is being used to extract money or silence voices.”
Social media is flooded with reactions demanding justice for Sajida. Many users have called on the state government to immediately suspend the Lekhpal and order a probe. Some have tagged the video to government handles, including those of the chief minister and the prime minister.
The incident comes at a time when bulldozer politics is under strong criticism across India. There have been repeated reports of demolitions being carried out without notice, especially in areas where Muslims reside. Human rights groups have pointed out that many of these demolitions are selective and targeted.
Residents of Hata Qazi village say this is not the first time such intimidation has happened. A local man, Akram Ansari, told Clarion India: “Two years ago, my cousin was also forced to pay money or else he was told his house would be razed. No one took any action then. That gave courage to these corrupt officers.”
While some community leaders are appealing for calm and lawful protest, others are planning to submit a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate demanding immediate dismissal of the accused and protection for the victim.
Meanwhile, Sajida Khatoon has said she fears for her safety. “After the video went viral, some people tried to pressurise me to take back my words. But I will not be silent. I want justice,” she said.
The silence of the district administration and police has only added to the frustration. Local politicians, especially those from minority groups, are demanding action. “This is not just about a bribe. It is about trust in the system. If poor women like Sajida are not protected, then who will be?” said Afsar Alam, a former municipal councillor.
As the video continues to gain attention online, questions are being raised not only about this specific case, but also about the broader trend of targeting Muslims through threats, extortion, and state machinery.
