Muzaffarnagar: Tensions rose in Bharatiya Colony area of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday after a Muslim man purchased a house in the predominantly Hindu neighborhood. The incident, which falls under the jurisdiction of Nai Mandi police station, has sparked unrest, with right-wing groups allegedly issuing warnings, insisting that Muslim families will not be permitted to settle in the area. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
Mohammed Zubair, the fact-checker and co-founder of AltNews, shared videos on X, saying, “In Muzaffarnagar, UP, right-wing outfits are warning that under no circumstances will Muslim families be allowed to settle in the predominantly Hindu locality. This is after a Muslim man bought a house in the neighborhood. The person Ashok Bharti from the Valmiki community, who sold the house, says that Nadeem helped him, and he is like God to him. He further says that no one helped him for five years when he was in trouble. They neither bought the house, which was under a bank loan, nor did they allow any purchaser to buy his house. He claims they used casteist words against him.”
In a video statement, Ashok Bharti confirmed that he sold his house to Nadeem. “I had an outstanding bank loan, and I was unable to repay it. The bank was pressuring me, and I had been in financial distress for five years,” Bharti explained.
He further stated that while many people had come to view the house, they refused to purchase it, saying the area was predominantly inhabited by the Valmiki community, a Scheduled Caste group.
Bharti said he had approached several wealthy individuals for help, even folding his hands, touching their feet, and pleading with them emotionally. However, they all refused to assist, saying they would not purchase property in a Valmiki neighborhood. He also alleged that those now causing unrest had previously warned potential buyers not to purchase his house.
He spoke highly of Mohammed Nadeem, calling him “a good person, like a god to me.” Bharti said, “When I approached Nadeem, he assured me he would buy the house, and whatever money I have today is because of him.”
Bharti ultimately left the area, citing poor living conditions, with rampant alcohol and drug use in the locality. He questioned, “There are many Hindu families residing in Muslim colonies. So why can’t a Muslim live in a Hindu colony? Is there any law that says so?”
In another video, Nadeem, state president of Awam-e-Hind Party, said he buys old houses, renovates them, and then sells them. Dismissing claims that 35 Muslim families are now residing in the area and offering prayers in public, Nadeem said, “These are exaggerated statements.” He added, “I purchased this house through an open auction from the bank, and it’s not the entire community causing trouble, just a few elements.”
To promote peace in the community, Nadeem said his party, along with three others, had formed the Sadbhavna Manch, an initiative aimed at fostering Hindu-Muslim unity and advocating for justice for marginalized communities. “This is a democratic country, and every citizen has the right to buy property in any community, regardless of religion or caste. The Constitution grants the right to choose one’s food, clothing, and life decisions,” Nadeem emphasized.
Muzaffarnagar Police have launched an investigation into the incident and deployed security forces to ensure peace in the area.
