Indore: Tensions have risen in Indore after reports alleged that Aklavya Singh Gaur, son of BJP MLA Malini Gaur, is behind efforts to evict Muslim vendors, tenants, and employees from the Sitlamata market. According to an investigative report, Aklavya, who heads a Hindutva outfit named Hind Rakshak, has been pressuring shopkeepers to remove Muslims from their businesses in the name of protecting “Hindu culture.”
Traders told reporters that Aklavya had held several meetings over the past month and instructed merchants to sack Muslim employees and evict Muslim tenants by September 25. In the past week alone, nearly 50 Muslim tenants were forced to vacate their shops, while around 100 workers lost their jobs. Many of them had invested their life savings into their businesses and were left without options.
The Silmata Cloth Market Association is said to have supported Aklavya’s directive and conveyed it informally to shop owners. Businesspersons confirmed that the diktat was enforced with strong backing in the market.
On September 24, Hindu and Muslim shopkeepers came together in the city’s main square in a rare joint protest. Carrying black posters with slogans calling for unity, they opposed the forced evictions and demanded justice.
When asked about the allegations, Indore Deputy Commissioner of Police Anand Kaladgi said that there is no visual proof or public statement directly linking Aklavya to the ultimatum. He added that police are monitoring the matter and trying to resolve the situation.
