For nearly three months, students have faced harassment by armed police, raising serious concerns about discrimination, misuse of public space, and community intimidation
MUMBAI – Repeated harassment by armed police has disrupted the studies of dozens of Muslim students at a popular garden-turned-study-centre in the city’s Nagpada neighbourhood, with allegations of intimidation, rude behaviour and denial of seating facilities.
For nearly three months, students of PT Mane Garden in Mumbai’s Muslim-majority Nagpada area have been unable to study in peace, as personnel from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) have reportedly been occupying the space during afternoons. According to several students, the officers frequently lie on study benches, disturb them during their studies, and even prevent them from using their seatings.
“This has been happening daily. We come here to study seriously, but these officers behave as if they are doing us a favour by letting us enter. They lie on the benches and scold us for asking them to move,” said Faizan Ansari, a final-year commerce student who has been using the space for over two years.
Students say the study space was created after years of community effort, and they have always used it without problems—until the SRPF personnel started arriving regularly. “We have never faced this before. This space was peaceful and perfect for studying. But for the last few months, it feels like we are being pushed out of our own area,” said Afreen Khan, a student preparing for competitive exams.
The garden, officially known as PT Mane Garden, is named after former Muslim League MLA Maulana Ziauddin Bukhari. The development of this garden and its study facilities was made possible through the efforts and public funds of several political representatives. Former Union Minister Murli Deora and MP Milind Deora helped fund its construction, while senior Congress MLA Amin Patel contributed through his MLA funds. The renovation was carried out using funds from Samajwadi Party MLA Raees Sheikh, and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) MLA Manoj Jamsatkar also supported the cause.
Locals argue that this makes the misuse of the space even more unacceptable. “This is not just a garden; this is a symbol of cooperation between leaders and the local Muslim youth who want to study and grow. Why are they sending police here? Are we criminals?” asked Mohammed Yusuf, a parent of one of the students.
Community activists are also raising concerns over the timing and pattern of these activities. “We cannot ignore the fact that this is happening in a Muslim locality. It’s not just random — it feels targeted,” said social worker Sameena Shaikh. “Why do the police feel the need to rest or occupy study benches in only Muslim areas?”
There is rising concern among local leaders and residents that the presence of SRPF personnel in such a manner is a deliberate attempt to discourage Muslim youth from accessing public spaces meant for education and self-development.
A resident, Irfan Qureshi, who visits the garden regularly, said: “I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Uniformed men sleeping on benches meant for students, asking them to leave or stop studying. This is not right. If this happened in any other community, there would be a media storm.”
Several people have pointed out that the authorities are silent despite repeated complaints. “We have written letters and spoken to the garden officials, but no one is taking action. It seems like our voice doesn’t matter,” said a local teacher who requested anonymity.
The broader concern here is about the systemic targeting of Muslim neighbourhoods and how even peaceful, educational efforts are being interrupted by the state machinery. Critics argue that such actions reflect an increasing tendency to criminalise and surveil Muslim communities across the country.
“What signal are we giving to students who are just trying to study — that they are a threat? That their presence is unwanted? This is what psychological harassment looks like,” said Dr Shakeel Ahmed, an academic and advocate for minority rights.
Despite the troubling situation, students continue to show resilience. “We won’t stop coming. This is our place, our right. We are not doing anything wrong,” said young student Najma Parveen.
However, the continued silence from higher authorities — including the Mumbai Police and the state government — raises troubling questions. Why are SRPF personnel, trained for special duties and riot control, resting in a peaceful study space in the middle of the day? Why are students, especially from marginalised communities, forced to ‘adjust’ while seeking a better future?
“This issue goes beyond one garden in Nagpada,” said human rights lawyer Asif Siddiqui. “It’s a mirror to how Muslim spaces are constantly policed, controlled, and interfered with — even when the youth are just sitting with books.”
Locals now demand immediate intervention, the removal of SRPF personnel from the study area, and a public explanation from the authorities.
“This is not their barrack, it’s a garden built for education. Let the students study in peace,” said elderly resident Abdul Kareem, who has lived in the area for over four decades.
Until action is taken, the students of PT Mane Garden will continue to fight not only for their right to study — but for their right to dignity and equality.
