Muslims are left wondering whether justice will ever find its way through the growing shadow of collective punishment
BAREILLY — The administration in this violence-hit Uttar Pradesh city has sealed the motorcycle showroom of cancer-stricken Samajwadi Party councillor Munna Khan, drawing public outrage and allegations of bias in the ongoing crackdown following the September 26 turmoil. The councillor claims innocence.
According to local sources, officials from the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) arrived without any prior notice and sealed the showroom on Sunday while Munna and his employees were still inside. The workers were forced out before the officials locked the premises.
“They did not even give us a written notice. We were simply ordered to leave, and within minutes, locks were placed on the doors,” said one of the staff members present during the sealing.
The incident follows a series of strict actions by the administration after alleged violence during a procession in support of “I Love Muhammad.” Witnesses and videos circulating online show police using batons to disperse crowds on that day.
The authorities have since launched a sweeping operation against people linked to Maulana Tauqeer Raza, president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), and others associated with Muslim political or religious groups. According to official figures, 126 people have been named in FIRs, and 83 arrests have already been made.
However, critics argue that the crackdown is disproportionately targeting Muslims. Councillor Munna said, “I have nothing to do with any violence or with Maulana Tauqeer’s organisation. My thoughts and their ideology are different. I’m being punished simply because of my identity.”
Munna, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, stated that he was not even present at the site of the alleged unrest. “My grandson had fractured his hand that day, so I went to the hospital and returned straight to my showroom. Everything is recorded on the CCTV cameras. If they check, the truth will be clear,” he said.
His supporters claim the administration has ignored evidence that could prove his innocence. “This is not justice. Why is a sick man being harassed like this?” asked one local resident who witnessed the sealing.
Despite repeated attempts, BDA officials declined to comment on the matter. They maintained that the action was part of an “ongoing drive against illegal constructions,” though no specific violations were cited in Munna’s case.
Members of the Samajwadi Party condemned the sealing, calling it a politically motivated act meant to intimidate Muslim representatives. “This government is using institutions to target minorities and silence opposition voices,” said a senior party leader in Bareilly.
The Muslim community in the city has expressed growing fear over the wave of administrative actions since the violence. Several shops and properties linked to Muslims have faced demolition or sealed. “We are not against law enforcement, but this selective punishment is unbearable. Innocent people are being crushed,’ said another local shopkeeper.
Police have also filed new cases against Dr Nafees and Nadeem, alleged associates of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, accusing them of forging a letter under the name of a man named Liaqat to mobilise people for a protest on September 26. Liaqat has lodged a complaint stating that his name and signature were misused.
In a related move last week, authorities demolished what they termed an “illegal banquet hall” belonging to Dr Nafees. Observers say the scale and speed of these actions indicate a broader campaign against Muslims associated with the protest.
Rights activists have criticised the state’s approach, saying it undermines the principles of equality before law. “If someone is guilty, let the court decide. But punishing people without proof or notice is unlawful and dangerous,” said an activist working with local minorities.
The sealing of Councillor Munna’s showroom — without a prior notice and despite his ill health — has intensified calls for a fair investigation into the administrative actions that followed the Bareilly violence.
“This is not just about me; it’s about justice. Today it’s my shop, tomorrow it could be anyone’s,’ said Munna, his voice weak but firm.
As the dust from the September incident settles, Bareilly’s Muslims say they are left wondering whether justice will ever find its way through the growing shadow of collective punishment.
