Six arrests, two suspensions, and growing unease as community leaders allege bias and political motives in investigation
Team Clarion
MALEGAON — The ongoing investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the alleged production of fake birth certificates in Malegaon has sparked widespread unease among residents, with community leaders accusing the probe of being biased and politically motivated. The Minority Defense Committee, a coalition of local political leaders, has openly expressed distrust in the SIT’s methods, claiming that the investigation unfairly targets the city’s minority communities.
So far, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, while an advocate implicated in the matter has filed for pre-arrest bail. Additionally, two government officers have been suspended as part of the inquiry. However, the actions of the SIT have drawn sharp criticism from local leaders, who argue that the probe is being used to stoke communal tensions.
At a press conference held on Saturday, the Minority Defense Committee, led by former MLA Asif Sheikh, voiced its concerns. Sheikh stated, “The SIT’s actions are targeting poor and less-educated citizens of Malegaon who merely sought to correct errors in their birth certificates. The administration is treating them unjustly. We do not trust the SIT because it is not conducting an honest and transparent inquiry. The unilateral actions are causing unrest among the public.”
Sheikh also accused the BJP and its affiliated organizations of using the investigation to further their political agenda. “The BJP is demanding an inquiry through the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) instead of the SIT, which shows that Malegaon is a prime target for them. The citizens of Malegaon must remain vigilant,” he added.
Muhammad Mustaqeem, General Secretary of the Minority Defense Committee, highlighted another contentious issue. “Action is being taken against individuals who obtain fresh copies of old, damaged birth certificates. This is entirely unjust. Citizens with original certificates should not face legal hurdles simply because their documents are worn out. They have the right to secure new copies for official use,” he said.
Mustaqeem further revealed that the committee has consulted legal experts to explore potential legal recourse against the SIT’s actions. “We are determined to find a legal response to this situation, especially in light of the statements made by BJP leader Krat Soumya,” he asserted.
The press conference was attended by prominent community figures, including Ehsan Sheikh, Shakeel Baig, Aslam Ansari, Ijaz Umar, Rizwan Khan, Abdul Baqi Sagar, Sabir Gohar, Shan-e-Hind, Muhammad Amin, and Naveed Khatib.
As the investigation continues, the Minority Defense Committee has vowed to challenge what it perceives as a politically driven campaign against Malegaon’s residents. The growing discontent among the city’s populace underscores the need for a fair and impartial inquiry to restore public trust.
For now, the people of Malegaon remain on edge, caught between the SIT’s actions and the looming shadow of communal politics.
