In a controversial move, property bought under the names of Shariq and Sikandar’s wives is seized, sparking debate over fairness and due process
NEW DELHI – The police have seized property valued at Rs 2.31 crore belonging to Shariq and his associate Sikandar in connection with last year’s violence in the Uttar Pradesh town of Sambhal. The seizure was carried out on Sunday, with the property, purchased in the names of their wives, now being earmarked for public welfare. However, the action has raised eyebrows, as many question the police’s motives and whether this move truly addresses the root causes of violence in the region.
The violence in Sambhal on November 24 last year led to multiple fatalities. The police swiftly pursued a case under the Gangster Act, 2009 against Shariq and Sikandar. While the seizure of their property is being portrayed as a victory in the fight against crime, the situation is far from straightforward.
The police allege that Shariq bought 268 square metres of land under the name of his wife, Gul Roshan, while Sikandar similarly purchased land at a prime location in Tartipur in the name of his wife, Shuja Parveen. The total value of the property stands at Rs 23.1 million. However, both Shariq and Sikandar, despite several court orders, were unable to legally justify the source of funds for their land purchases, prompting the police to act.
But the questions raised are not merely about the legality of the property; they extend to the broader issue of police actions and the fairness of the legal process. Many Muslims in the region view such actions as a continuation of a pattern where the police are seen as overly aggressive when it comes to targeting members of the Muslim community.
“Yes, the violence should be condemned, but why is it that time and again the actions of the police seem to disproportionately affect Muslims? Why does the law seem to have a double standard?” says Ahmed Shah, a local. “What about the actual causes of this violence? There’s so much anger and frustration among the youth. We need better support and solutions that don’t just scapegoat individuals for bigger social issues.”
The seizure of the property, much like the actions taken under the Gangster Act, has sparked debates within the Muslim community. Critics argue that these measures do little to address the systemic issues of poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to resources that fuel such violence. Instead, they claim, the police are using heavy-handed tactics that serve as a warning, creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust.
Furthermore, the authorities have emphasised the repurposing of the seized assets for public welfare. “The properties will be used for the betterment of the community,” said SP Krishan Kumar Bishnoi, a statement that, while positive, leaves many asking whether the funds will truly reach those most affected by the violence.
A local Muslim leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concern over the long-term impact of such actions on the Muslim community. “This is not just about Shariq and Sikandar. This is about how we, as a community, are constantly portrayed through the lens of criminality. We face the consequences of such measures even when we are not involved in the violence. The focus should be on justice and equality, not on taking away properties that are not even rightfully theirs.”
As the investigation unfolds, the police continue their search for Shariq and Sikandar, who remain at large. Meanwhile, locals remain divided on whether this legal action will truly bring justice or whether it merely deepens the rift between the police and the Muslim community in Sambhal. Many are calling for a more measured approach that looks beyond property seizures and focuses on addressing the root causes of violence in the region.
