APCR Leader Nadeem Khan Alleges Demolition Drives Are Being Used for ‘Revenge Politics’

New Delhi: APCR National Secretary Nadeem Khan has alleged that demolition drives carried out in different parts of the country are increasingly being used as a political tool against poor and minority communities, particularly Muslims.

Speaking on a series of recent demolition actions, Khan claimed that several religious structures and residential properties linked to Muslim communities have been targeted over the past month. According to him, the pattern of demolitions suggests more than routine administrative enforcement.

Khan described the trend as “bulldozer justice” and argued that it has become a form of revenge politics directed mainly at economically weaker sections.

He cited multiple instances from various states, alleging that mosques, dargahs and other religious sites were demolished in places including Delhi, Mumbai, Faridabad, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. He claimed that several of these structures had existed for decades and, in some cases, for centuries.

According to Khan, many of the demolitions were carried out without following the procedures laid down by the Supreme Court. He alleged that affected parties were not given adequate notice and that due process was not observed before the actions were taken.

Khan also accused local administrations of pressuring mosque committees to sign compromise agreements related to demolition or relocation. He argued that such committees serve only as custodians of religious properties and do not possess the authority to make decisions regarding ownership or transfer.

Referring to demolition actions in Gujarat, he questioned the lack of clarity regarding the authority responsible for demolishing more than 100 houses in Surat. He said affected residents have yet to receive clear answers about who authorised the operation.

The APCR leader also raised concerns over the ongoing road widening project in Dalmandi, Varanasi. Following a site visit, he claimed that an alternative alignment could have been adopted to minimise displacement. According to him, the current project threatens hundreds of homes, thousands of shops and several mosques in the area.

Khan further alleged that some structures were demolished despite legal challenges being pending before courts. He said residents and religious committees had informed his team that they were facing pressure from local authorities during the process.

Turning to Delhi, Khan criticised demolition drives conducted in areas identified as part of the Yamuna floodplain. He questioned whether similar action would be taken against large and influential establishments situated along the riverbanks.

He also expressed concern that demolition operations often intensify during court vacation periods, making it more difficult for affected individuals to seek urgent legal relief.

According to Khan, many of the properties facing demolition had long received government services such as water and electricity connections, while residents had regularly paid taxes and civic charges.

He also referred to demolition actions in Kolkata’s Topsia area, claiming that thousands of residents living in registered properties could be affected despite occupying buildings that have existed for many years.

Khan argued that the overall pattern reflects a disregard for legal safeguards and due process. He further accused a section of the media of portraying affected properties as unlawful without examining the legal status of the structures or the procedures followed before demolition.

The allegations come amid ongoing national debate over demolition drives, property rights and the implementation of Supreme Court guidelines governing such actions.