A Muslim family in Garoli village, under the Nowgong police station area of Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, has alleged repeated harassment, verbal abuse and threats from some members of the Pal community over a land dispute and access to a pathway.
According to Clarion, women from the family approached the Superintendent of Police’s office seeking action, claiming that their complaints had not been addressed at the local level.
Dispute Began Over Blocked Pathway, Family Says
The family alleged that the latest confrontation took place earlier this week when a young woman was on her way to teach Urdu to children in the neighbourhood. They claimed that some members of the Pal community had tied animals along the pathway, obstructing access.
When the women asked for the way to be cleared, an argument allegedly broke out. A woman from the family accused a woman identified as Neetu Pal of refusing to move aside and slapping her.
The family further alleged that when an older female relative intervened, someone brought out a knife and attempted to attack her. The older woman was injured while intervening, according to the family’s account.
The family also claimed that the young woman was slapped and verbally abused. They said they sought medical treatment following the confrontation and were now afraid because of the alleged threats.
‘We Are Muslims, So Who Listens to Us?’
“We are Muslims, so who listens to us?” family members said, alleging that they had faced repeated threats and that their complaints had not received adequate attention.
They claimed they had been warned against taking the matter to others and threatened with serious consequences if they continued to raise the issue.
The family maintained that the dispute was about access to the pathway and not a land transaction. They alleged that arguments had occurred repeatedly when they tried to use the route, including over animals being tied there and other obstructions.
A reporter who visited the village was told that around 25 Hindu families lived in Garoli and that the Muslim family was the only household from its community in the village. The family alleged that this had left them feeling isolated during disputes with their neighbours.
Other Side Denies Allegations, Police Verify Accounts
The allegations have been disputed by the other side. In a response recorded during the reporting, a woman rejected the family’s account and denied that a knife attack had taken place. She alleged that the Muslim family had made false accusations against them.
The competing claims have not been independently established.
A police official said a complaint had been received and that the accounts of both sides were being examined. The official said police had been instructed to verify the facts and take further action based on their findings.
The official also referred to information that animals were being tied on land that might belong to the government. If the land is confirmed to be government property, the relevant authorities would be asked to inspect it and take appropriate action, the official said.
