Muslim community raises questions over targeted actions against religious institutions across the state
BHAVNAGAR – A sudden demolition operation at Darul Uloom Madrasa Akwada in Bhavnagar in Gujarat has sparked alarm among local Muslims, social workers, and madrasa authorities, who fear a pattern of discrimination against religious institutions.
At 6 am on Monday, the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation, under tight security, demolished the hostel block, compound hall, and kitchen of the madrasa, claiming the structures obstructed a 24-metre-wide town planning road. Four JCBs, three Hitachis, and two dumpers were deployed, alongside more than 100 police personnel, creating what residents described as a “siege-like” environment in minutes.
The madrasa administration, however, insists that no prior notice was received. “We were shocked to see our hostel and other facilities demolished without any warning. Property worth lakhs of rupees was destroyed,” said Maulana Shamsuddin, head of the madrasa.
Dr Narendra Meena, Commissioner of Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation, defended the operation, stating, “No religious building was touched; only those structures that obstructed the road were removed. Notices were issued in advance.”
Residents and social workers argue that the demolition cannot be seen as a mere urban planning measure. “Over the past few years, there has been a rise in sudden actions against Muslim institutions, madrasas, and graveyards. This demolition is part of a worrying trend,” said Farida Bano, a local social worker.
Several residents voiced concerns over the approach adopted by authorities. “If there had been proper local consultation, this could have been avoided. Instead, the sudden action has created fear and mistrust in the community,” said Abdul Rahman, who lives near the madrasa.
Observers note that demolitions of Muslim institutions in Gujarat have occurred in multiple districts, under the pretext of encroachment or land misuse. Social organisations argue that such actions often disproportionately affect Muslim communities while similar issues in other areas are typically resolved through negotiation or fines.
“The repeated targeting of religious properties creates an atmosphere of fear and suspicion,” said Dr Ayesha Khan, a social activist. “The Bhavnagar incident is not isolated but part of a larger pattern of administrative strictness that communities experience as prejudice.”
Experts warn that such operations may deepen Islamophobic sentiments and undermine trust between local authorities and minority communities. Residents question why demolitions consistently occur more intensively in areas housing Muslim institutions, reinforcing fears of discrimination.
“The people of Bhavnagar feel vulnerable when their institutions, which serve educational and religious purposes, are treated this way,” said Imam Kareem, a community leader. “We hope for dialogue and fair treatment, rather than abrupt destruction of properties that benefit the community.”
The incident at Darul Uloom Akwada highlights ongoing tensions between urban planning regulations and the rights of religious communities, raising critical questions about governance, fairness, and minority protections in Gujarat.
