Ahmed Mian Hussain receives a notice for using residential lease land for business, sparking fears of unfair targeting and potential loss of family livelihood
ALIRAJPUR — A Muslim family in this Madhya Pradesh city is facing the threat of bulldozer action after local authorities issued a notice against Ahmed Mian Hussain, a shopkeeper, for allegedly using residential lease land allotted to his family in 1958 for commercial purposes. The notice, issued by the Jobat Nagar Panchayat, expired on Saturday (6 December), leaving the community anxious over possible administrative action.
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of Muslims in the area following repeated allegations of ‘love jihad’ by certain Hindu organisations. Local activists and residents allege that these groups enjoy considerable protection from the administration.
A resident from Jobat said, “Ahmed has been running his shop for decades. Now suddenly, because of complaints influenced by communal pressures, the administration is threatening him. This is clearly targeting Muslims.”
Ahmed, whose family has depended on the shop for livelihood for generations, expressed his concern: “This land was granted to my family for residential use, yes, but our business is our only source of income. We never thought this would lead to threats of bulldozer action.”
Jobat’s Chief Nagar Panchayat Officer, Santosh Rathore, explained that Ahmed Mian Hussain was granted a residential plot on lease in 1958. Rathore stated that complaints had been repeatedly received about commercial activities on the plot. He said, “After an investigation, it was found that Mr Ahmed had erected sheds and shutters on the leased land for business purposes. A notice was issued because this violated the Lease Act 1984.”
The notice reportedly gave Ahmed three days to rectify the situation, which expired on 6 December. Rathore added, “The land was meant for residential purposes. Using it commercially without approval is a gross violation, and the notice was necessary.”
Local Muslim leaders and activists have criticised the notice, arguing that Ahmed’s family is being unfairly targeted. They note that despite years of running the shop, the administration never raised the issue until communal complaints surfaced.
A prominent community leader said, “This is not just about one shop. It is about sending a message to the Muslim community that even their lawful livelihoods can be threatened. Administrative bias is very clear here.”
Many believe the case is part of a broader pattern of intimidation against Muslims in Madhya Pradesh.
“These actions create fear. If the administration can threaten bulldozer action on leased land without proper consultation, what hope do Muslims have to work and live peacefully?” another resident questioned.
With the notice period now expired, all eyes are on the administration. Residents and community leaders are urging authorities to handle the matter fairly and transparently, warning that any aggressive action could escalate communal tensions in the region.
Ahmed’s family remains hopeful for a resolution: “We only ask for fairness. We want to continue our business and live in peace. We hope the authorities understand this is our livelihood, not a political or communal issue.”
The Alirajpur case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Muslims in certain regions of India, particularly when administrative actions intersect with communal narratives. Observers say this incident could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
