NEW DELHI – Tensions gripped Rajasthan’s Beawar district this week as police arrested nine Muslim youths in connection with an alleged “love jihad” case and violated the Supreme Court guidelines by demolishing the house of one of the accused. The incident, which occurred in Vijaynagar on February 16, has left the community divided and fearful, with local Hindutva groups rallying for stricter action.
According to a Maktoob Media report, the police, under pressure from Hindutva organisations, alleged that the youths were also involved in a forced conversion racket. While the “love jihad” angle remains unproven, the arrests have created communal tensions in the area. The case also involves a Jat individual, bringing the total number of arrests to ten.
The families of the accused have vehemently denied the allegations, claiming the relationships were consensual. “A false case has been filed against the youths,” said one family member, who wished to remain anonymous. The girls’ families, however, have refrained from commenting, citing confusion over the unfolding events.
In a controversial move, the Rajasthan Police invoked the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) as the girls involved are minors. Notices were subsequently issued to the families of the accused, demanding property documents and threatening eviction.
On Monday, the situation escalated when the Vijaynagar municipality, in collaboration with the police, demolished a portion of the house belonging to one of the accused, Rehan. Rehan’s father, Raj Mohammad, expressed his frustration, stating, “We followed whatever was said, and the documents were sent to the police.” Despite this, the demolition proceeded, leaving the family devastated.
The local Jama Masjid and graveyard were also served notices, leading to their closure. Haji Jalal Pathan, head of the Jama Masjid Committee, condemned the actions, saying, “The police should investigate as required and then decide on the action. Why is the entire community being punished for something that has not been proven?”
The demolition has sparked outrage among locals, who accuse the authorities of collective punishment. “The authorities are punishing the entire community without even proving the allegations,” Maktoob Media quoted a member of the mosque committee as saying.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
