Tension prevailed in Janakpuri Colony in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district on Wednesday after members of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti staged a protest outside houses purchased by Muslim families, alleging that the purchases were changing the area’s demographic composition.
The protesters gathered outside the houses and recited the Hanuman Chalisa, prompting police and administrative officials to reach the spot and initiate an inquiry.
Administration Seals Two Houses
During the inspection, officials found that around six houses in the Hindu-majority colony had been purchased by Muslim families. According to the district administration, four of these properties were constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
Following a preliminary assessment, authorities sealed two houses allegedly built under the government housing scheme and asked the occupants to vacate them. Verification of the ownership and status of the remaining properties is underway.
Hindu Sangharsh Samiti’s Allegations
The Hindu Sangharsh Samiti alleged that Muslim families were purchasing houses in the colony in a planned manner to alter its demographic character.
The organisation announced that it would hold Hanuman Chalisa recitations every Tuesday at 7 p.m. outside the houses until the Muslim families leave the locality.
Samiti convenor Narendra Pawar said the group would continue its agitation, claiming the purchases were affecting the social atmosphere of the area.
Muslim Families Deny Allegations
The affected families denied any conspiracy and said they had legally purchased the properties.
One of the homeowners, Mohammad Azim, said he bought his house about one-and-a-half months ago for ₹23.25 lakh and was never informed by the seller that it had been constructed under the PMAY scheme.
He alleged that the administration sealed the property without prior notice, leaving his family without a place to stay. Azim said they would have followed the legal process had they been informed earlier about any issue with the property.
Police Response
Additional Superintendent of Police Siddharth K. Mishra said police received information that around 20 to 25 people had gathered outside a few houses in Janakpuri Colony.
He said officers from the Civil Lines police station reached the spot immediately and informed the revenue authorities. The tehsildar is examining the complaints, and further action will be taken in accordance with the law.
Police said the situation in the area remains under control and that law and order is being maintained while the verification process continues.
