Disturbing Developments for Muslims in India: A Call for Justice and Accountability
In recent weeks, multiple unsettling developments have emerged, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced by Muslims in India. A report by Common Cause and Lokniti-CSDS highlights systemic police brutality against Muslims, revealing that they are disproportionately targeted for violence, torture, and custodial deaths. The “Status of Policing in India Report 2025” (SPIR 2025) indicates that between 2011 and 2022, there were 1,107 recorded custodial deaths, yet not a single officer has been held accountable. The report underscores a pervasive culture of impunity and deep-seated biases within the police force, exacerbated by political ideologies that normalize violence against minorities.
In a separate but related issue, the Karnataka caste census has ignited controversy among dominant communities, leading to divisions within the ruling Congress party. The leaked report recommends increasing reservations for backward castes, proposing that Muslims, who comprise 12.6% of Karnataka’s population, receive an increase in reservations from 4% to 8%. This recommendation has been met with resistance, with community leaders deeming it “unscientific” and urging the government to reject it, further complicating the socio-political landscape for Muslims in the state.
Additionally, the recent demolition of a madrasa in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district has raised concerns about the implications of the newly enacted Waqf Amendment Act. The madrasa, reportedly built with proper permissions, was deemed illegal under the new law, prompting its owner to demolish it preemptively. This incident marks a troubling trend, as the Act has been criticized by various Muslim organizations for being unconstitutional and discriminatory. Protests in West Bengal against the Act have turned violent, resulting in fatalities and widespread arrests, further illustrating the rising tensions surrounding Muslim rights in India.
These developments collectively highlight the urgent need for reform and accountability in addressing the systemic injustices faced by Muslims in India.
