By Pervez Bari
Bhopal, Aug 25: Haji Shahzad Ali, former Congress district Vice President and prime accused in the alleged attack on a police station in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, has broken his silence, pleading his innocence and calling for an impartial investigation into the incident. Ali, who has reportedly gone underground to evade arrest, spoke out after his bungalow was bulldozed on August 21 by the police, in collaboration with district administration, without due process or consideration of natural justice.
In a video message, Ali asserted his innocence, claiming that he was a victim of conspiracy. He appealed to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav to ensure a fair investigation into the matter. Ali explained that he had joined a crowd to submit a memorandum in protest of derogatory remarks made by Hindu priest Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj against Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He alleged that “anti-social elements” were responsible for the attack on the police station, which led to the subsequent demolition of his home.
Ali clarified that his presence at the police station was solely to support the peaceful submission of the memorandum, which sought the filing of an FIR against Maharaj for his remarks during an event in Nashik, Maharashtra. He described the situation as escalating unexpectedly, with stone-pelting erupting from both sides. Despite his efforts to calm the crowd, the situation deteriorated.
The demolition of Ali’s home, claimed by the police to have been built on illegal land, has sparked controversy. Ali argued that he has been wrongfully targeted by misinformation provided to the district administration and police.
In the wake of the demolition, Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Arif Masood has voiced his frustration over the silence of his party’s leadership on the issue. Masood questioned why Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Jitu Patwari and Congress Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar have remained silent on the Chhatarpur case, accusing the party of being out of touch with the state’s realities.
Masood also criticized the district administration’s handling of the situation, highlighting the lack of proper notice before the demolition and the limited time given to remove household belongings. He has written to Chief Minister, demanding accountability for the officers involved.
The bulldozing of Ali’s home has drawn condemnation from various quarters, particularly among organizations advocating for minority rights. While Hindu organizations, including the RSS, have reportedly expressed support for the action, others have voiced strong opposition. Bhim Army founder and MP Chandrashekhar Azad criticized the government for acting as a judiciary and called on the Supreme Court to intervene.
Former law minister PC Sharma also opposed the demolition, stating that while those who break the law should be punished, demolishing one’s home is unconstitutional.
Advocate Mohammad Mahir, president of Muslim Vikas Parishad, condemned the derogatory remarks made by Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, calling for legal action against him. However, Mahir urged the Muslim community to pursue their demands peacefully, emphasizing that violence and demonstrations are not the solution. He called for faith in the legal system to deliver justice.
The situation in Chhatarpur remains tense, with calls for justice and accountability growing louder as the fallout from the police station attack and subsequent bulldozing continues to unfold.
