A case of alleged housing discrimination has surfaced in Kalyan, where a Muslim man approached senior police officials after claiming he was denied a flat because of his religion.
The complainant, Ashfaq Fazal Karim Sheikh, alleged that a property dealer refused to sell him a flat after learning that he was Muslim. He also accused the dealer of making discriminatory and insulting remarks during the conversation.
According to the complaint submitted to the Bazarpeth Police Station and senior police authorities, Ashfaq had contacted a phone number linked to a housing project to inquire about purchasing a flat.
“Flats Will Not Be Given to Muslims”
Ashfaq Sheikh claimed that during the phone conversation, he directly asked whether Muslims were allowed to buy flats in the project.
According to him, the person on the call replied that flats would not be given to Muslims.
“This attitude is against humanity and against the Constitution, which gives equal rights to every citizen without discrimination,” Ashfaq stated in his written complaint.
He further alleged that the conversation clearly showed religious discrimination and violated constitutional principles of equality and dignity.
Audio Recording Submitted as Evidence
The complainant said he possesses an audio recording of the conversation in which the alleged discriminatory remarks were made.
Ashfaq also claimed that when he went to the local police station to file a complaint, officers allegedly showed little interest in registering the case.
“I waited for a long time at the police station, but no proper action was taken,” he reportedly told officials.
After the alleged delay, the matter was escalated to senior police officers.
Demand for FIR and Legal Action
In his complaint, Ashfaq Sheikh demanded immediate registration of an FIR against the person linked to the mobile number involved in the conversation.
He also urged authorities to take strict legal action against anyone found promoting religious hatred or discrimination.
The complainant further appealed to the administration to ensure such incidents do not happen again and that communal harmony in the city is protected.
Debate Over Housing Discrimination
The incident has once again highlighted concerns raised by many Muslims in different Indian cities about difficulties in renting or buying homes because of their religious identity.
Housing discrimination has frequently been discussed by activists and civil rights groups, who say many Muslim families face hidden barriers in urban housing markets.
A social activist from Maharashtra said, “Refusing someone housing because of religion goes against the idea of equal citizenship and creates insecurity among minorities.”
At the time of reporting, there was no public response from the property dealer regarding the allegations.
Police officials have also not yet confirmed whether an FIR has been formally registered in the matter.
