A Muslim couple in India has faced expulsion from their recently acquired residence, as their Hindu neighbors declared they would not permit them to reside there due to their religious beliefs.
Residents of TDI City, an affluent residential area in Moradabad, initiated protests on Tuesday night following the revelation of a recent sale.
The incident sparked significant outrage in India following the viral spread of a video from the protest. One resident, Megha Arora, expressed concerns that Dr. Ashok Bajaj, another resident, sold his house to a Muslim family without prior consultation with the community.
“The presence of a Muslim family residing directly across from our local temple has raised significant concerns among community members.” “This issue also pertains to the safety of our women,” she stated.
The request has been made to revoke the sale, with a formal appeal to the administration to annul the registration of the property under its new owners’ name. There are concerns regarding integrating individuals from different faiths into our community. “We will not permit their entry or allow the protests to continue as long as they remain,” she stated.
Many residents took the initiative to visit the district magistrate’s office to file a formal complaint. Protesters gathered outside, vocally expressing their dissent towards Dr. Bajaj and the Muslim couple.
The protests have successfully achieved their desired impact. On Friday, Dr. Bajaj informed the BBC that a resolution had been achieved, facilitated by the city’s elected representative. The newly acquired Muslim owners are set to re-sell the house to a Hindu family already residing within the housing society.
Dr. Bajaj, a local eye hospital operator and a community resident for over six years, confirmed that he sold his home to a Muslim couple, both medical professionals. He noted that their families have maintained a relationship spanning four decades. He said the Muslim couple expressed their discomfort with relocating to the house.
He remarked that the uproar surrounding the sale was “uncalled for” and expressed surprise that it had escalated to national news.
Evidence suggests that incidents of violence and discrimination targeting India’s Muslim community have increased over the past decade, particularly under the Hindu nationalist administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Incidents of anti-Muslim hate speech have seen a significant increase, predominantly in states governed by the BJP. Moradabad is situated in Uttar Pradesh, a state under BJP rule. The Bharatiya Janata Party has repeatedly refuted these allegations.
Tanvir Aeijaz, a professor of politics and public policy at Delhi University, commented on the incident in Moradabad, stating that it “demonstrates the deep-seated religious polarisation that is taking root at the grassroots level.”
Dr. Bajaj reports that the protest began following his introduction of a Muslim couple to his neighbors, intended as a gesture of goodwill.
The reaction to the house sale, he noted, “has come out of nowhere,” pointing out that other Muslim families are already residing in the colony and emphasizing that “we had always had a good rapport with our neighbors.”
The ongoing controversy is reshaping the very essence of the city. He stated, “Our intention was not to create any kind of unrest with this transaction,” emphasizing that “there is no law” prohibiting it.
According to him, the colony lacked a residents’ association that would be required to authorize the sale. “They have now awakened to take action.”
Muslim residents in Moradabad have previously encountered opposition when purchasing homes in predominantly Hindu neighborhoods. In 2021, a significant protest erupted among residents and Hindu hardline organizations following the purchase of houses by two Muslim families from Hindu sellers.
In rural India, the practice of segregated living has a long-standing history, characterized by the separation of various castes and religious groups. The urban centers were designed to serve as melting pots, fostering coexistence among individuals regardless of their differences. Despite advancements, numerous urban areas still grapple with the persistent issue of segregation.
In numerous Indian cities, discrimination against minority communities, particularly Muslims, is prevalent. Many housing societies restrict food habits, such as vegetarianism, to exclude these groups.
In regions such as Gujarat and Maharashtra, as well as in the capital city of Delhi, many Muslims have reported challenges in securing housing in predominantly Hindu neighborhoods. Several years back, Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi garnered significant media attention when he claimed that his request for a flat in Mumbai was denied due to his Muslim faith.
Professor Aeijaz has stated that the refusal to allow the Muslim couple in Moradabad to purchase their desired home is “discriminatory and completely unconstitutional.”
Such actions constitute a breach of essential and legal entitlements. The infringement of an individual’s right to equality and freedom poses a significant threat, and a rise in such incidents could jeopardize the integrity of the Indian constitution.
Prof. Aeijaz raises a critical question regarding protecting marginalized communities in India. He points out that while there are specific rights established to safeguard Dalits and women, who are recognized as vulnerable groups, there appears to be a significant absence of rights aimed at protecting Muslims, a demographic he identifies as the most vulnerable in the country. He enquires.
The incident has sparked significant outrage, prompting many individuals to voice their anger on social media platforms.
Comedian Akash Banerjee took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share his thoughts, stating, “Welcome to #NewIndia.” “A physician transferred ownership of his residence to another physician…” “What could prompt such a significant protest or uproar in an upscale housing society in Moradabad?” he enquired.
We often take pride in embracing many cultures and perspectives as a country. “We should be ashamed about these incidents,” stated John Brittas, a Member of Parliament representing the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
A user on X emphasized that those opposing the couple “were not nameless, faceless individuals.” “These individuals exhibited a boldness and lack of shame in openly showcasing their bigotry and Islamophobia.”
Prof. Aeijaz expresses a sense of optimism regarding potential favorable changes in the future.
Hinduism is fundamentally rooted in the concept of pluralism. The majority of individuals I encounter recognize that hatred contradicts their religious beliefs. That instills a sense of hope.
