Muslim community critical of SSP’s action; claims of anti-Muslim bias as Hindu festivals go unpunished
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – What began as a simple iftar meal to unite people has turned into a major controversy in the Uttar Pradesh city of Meerut, with the local Muslim community accusing the police of targeting their traditions. The trouble started when a sub-inspector was suspended for hosting the event at a police outpost, leading many to question why a Muslim religious gathering faces punishment while Hindu celebrations often escape scrutiny.
A 17 March video, now widely shared online, shows Sub-Inspector Shailendra Pratap, the in-charge of Zakir Colony outpost, and Inspector Vishnu Kumar sharing food with Muslim residents during Ramadan. Chairs were set out, meals were served, and the mood was warm — until the Meerut police stepped in. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rohit Singh Sajwan ordered Pratap’s suspension, calling the iftar a “violation of protocol.” For the city’s Muslims, though, the decision feels like a direct attack.
Muslim leaders quickly condemned the move. “This is an insult to our faith,” said Maulana Irfan Qasmi, a well-known cleric in Meerut. “I’ve seen police stations lit up for Diwali and officers splashing colours during Holi — no one minds. But when we share an iftar, is it suddenly wrong? This isn’t fair.”
The anger runs deep among residents. Arif Khan, a local businessman who attended the iftar, couldn’t hide his frustration. “They want us to keep quiet, to tuck our traditions away while Hindu celebrations get a free pass. If this isn’t biased, what is it?”
Human rights activist Ayesha Parveen called it a sign of something bigger. “Muslims are told to keep their practices hidden, while Hindu rituals are treated as normal. It’s not about rules — it’s about who gets to be visible and who doesn’t.”
SSP Sajwan defended the suspension, saying police outposts are meant for “official duties, not private events.” He added, “We’ve started an inquiry, and more steps will follow its findings.” His words, however, have done little to ease tensions, especially as people recall Hindu religious events held at police stations without any fuss.
“Where was this ‘protocol’ when officers did pujas or handed out sweets for Deepavali?” asked Mohammed Yusuf, a tailor living near the outpost. “They’re fast to punish us but look the other way when it’s their own festivals.”
The timing makes it worse. With Ramadan underway and Eid expected on 30 or 31 March, the suspension hits like a personal blow to a community already deep in prayer and fasting.
Politicians have jumped into the fray. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Abdul Hafiz Gandhi was blunt: “This is another case of Muslims being singled out under a government that favours one community over others. The BJP stays quiet because this fits their plan.” The ruling party has yet to comment, leaving the issue to simmer.
Not everyone agrees, though. “If rules matter, apply them to all,” said Ramesh Chauhan, a local advocate. “Either stop every religious event in police stations or let everyone celebrate. This picking and choosing is what’s dividing us.”
The incident has kicked off a larger conversation about fairness in India’s public spaces. Retired IPS officer Amitabh Thakur warned of the consequences: “Punishing an officer for connecting with the community is a mistake. We need rules that cover every faith — Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh — not this one-sided approach.”
India’s police have long walked a fine line with the country’s many religions, often joining local festivities to build goodwill. But the Meerut case hints at a troubling change. “If an iftar is a problem, why isn’t a Holi party?” asked Zainab Khatoon, a teacher who watched the video in shock. “They’re telling us our faith doesn’t belong.”
As the inquiry continues, Muslim groups are planning peaceful demonstrations. “We won’t stay silent while our rights are crushed,” said Imran Siddiqui, a youth leader helping organise the protests. “We want Pratap’s suspension lifted and an apology.”
Meerut is tense, with people wondering if the police will back down or double down. For now, the memory of that iftar meal has soured, replaced by a growing sense of unfairness.
“Harmony shouldn’t come with a price,” said Maulana Qasmi, capturing the mood. “If it does, something is badly wrong.”
