A student claimed that anti-Islam sentiments played a role in the incident
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – A group of Muslim students from Kerala studying at Delhi University’s Zakir Hussain College were forcibly evicted from their rented flat in Lakshmi Nagar in the northeast of the capital city on October 2, following an alleged physical assault by other residents. The students have raised concerns about police bias in handling the incident.
The controversy began when the students, occupying the third-floor flat for several weeks, invited their college friends over there. This action drew objections from other residents, leading to heightened tension. The situation escalated when a female resident and her male friend reportedly assaulted one of the students, Kuran, and forced them to leave the building during the night. Initially, the woman accused the students of harassment but later altered her claim, which was not corroborated by video evidence.
Taking to social media, Kuran suggested that anti-Islam sentiments played a role in the incident, reflecting on the difficulties they faced while searching for accommodation in the area. “When we returned to the building on October 2, the neighbours attacked us and insisted we leave,” he recounted. Friends Sohal Amin and Sufwan attempted to intervene but were manhandled. Video footage reportedly shows a neighbour attempting to strangle Sohal, who claimed he was severely beaten up by several people.
Adding to the students’ distress, one of the attackers allegedly stated that the registry prohibited Muslims from renting or buying property in the building, a claim the landlord was reportedly unaware of. When the matter was reported to the police, the students felt they were treated unfairly. They were taken to the police station in a police vehicle, while the woman involved was permitted to arrive in a private car. Additionally, the students were denied access to basic necessities at the police station, while the police reportedly treated the woman with greater courtesy.
Following the intervention of Rajya Sabha MP from the Muslim League, the situation showed slight improvement. The MP sent his personal assistant to assist the students, which prompted the police to finally review the video evidence of the altercation. However, the assailants denied using anti-Islamic language during the incident.
Despite having the landlord’s support, the students were ultimately compelled to vacate the flat to avoid further confrontation. The landlord granted them a two-week notice to leave. As a result, the students, who suffered both physical and financial losses, expressed their dismay. “This incident illustrates the challenges Muslims face in finding housing in Delhi,” a distraught student said.
