Rising Pressure on Indian Muslims: From Classroom Humiliation to Bulldozer Demolitions

Rising Pressure on Indian Muslims: From Classroom Humiliation to Bulldozer Demolitions
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Two separate incidents in India have sparked widespread concern among Muslim communities, with critics arguing they point to a pattern of escalating religious discrimination and punitive state action, as reported by Muslim Mirror.

In Kalyan, Maharashtra, three Muslim college students were reportedly forced by members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal to do sit-ups and apologise after offering namaz in a classroom. According to reports, the students were made to touch the feet of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj amid shouts of “Jai Shri Ram.”

Although police were present during the incident, there are claims they did not intervene. The college administration later said the students had violated campus rules forbidding religious activities, calling the matter “internal.”

Parents and community members have strongly criticized both the college and the police, saying the students’ dignity and religious freedom were violated.

Meanwhile, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, authorities demolished a two-storey market owned by Mohammad Arif, an associate of Maulana Tauqeer Raza. About two dozen shops and a showroom were razed under heavy police cover, with officials citing illegal construction as the rationale.

Several Muslim shopkeepers, however, condemned the demolition as politically motivated retaliation, arguing that similar enforcement is rarely seen against non-Muslim properties.

The demolition follows earlier tensions in the city, after a rally on September 26 featuring “I Love Muhammad” placards sparked clashes.