Muslims oppose construction of tribal families’ houses; work resumes after police intervention

Badlapur (Thane), 23 June – While houses sanctioned under the government’s housing scheme were being constructed for tribal families, some Muslims allegedly claimed ownership of the land and twice demolished the walls of the houses. The incident took place in the Moolgaon area near Badlapur. The incident left the tribal families frightened; however, construction resumed after police intervention.

1. Several tribal families in the Moolgaon area have been residing there for the past three to four generations. After houses were sanctioned to them under the housing scheme, construction began on the site. However, neighbouring Muslims opposed the work, claiming that the land belonged to them, and demolished the walls that had been erected.

2. Distressed by the incident, the tribal families lodged a complaint with the police. The police advised them to continue construction and to record any further developments instead of getting into arguments. Subsequently, the Muslims again attempted to stop the work, but the police intervened promptly and helped ensure that construction continued.

3. When the police asked the Muslims to produce documents proving ownership of the land, they were unable to do so. (Such law-defying Muslims should be sent to prison ! – Editor) As the construction was demolished twice, the tribal families suffered substantial financial losses, and demands are being raised for strict action against those responsible.