Malegaon: The recent arrests of three individuals under the pretext of investigating alleged fake documents have triggered strong resentment among the Muslim community in Malegaon. The Minority Defense Committee in Malegaon has condemned the police action, warning against attempts to malign innocent citizens in the guise of national security concerns.
The arrests of Syed Sajid, Shabana Bano, and Najma Bano following the formation of an SIT (Special Investigation Team) to probe allegations regarding so-called illegal immigrants have raised serious questions about the motives behind such crackdowns. Legal experts and community leaders argue that these arrests are nothing more than an attempt to create an atmosphere of fear and suspicion against Malegaon’s Muslim population.
Advocate Arif N. Shaikh, representing the accused, pointed out that minor discrepancies in official documents are common and do not warrant criminal charges. He alleged that the police action appears politically motivated, targeting specific individuals to showcase efficiency rather than ensuring justice.
Minority Defense Committee head Sheikh Asif reaffirmed the community’s commitment to legal and democratic resistance against harassment under the guise of investigations. “We fully support a fair and transparent inquiry, but we will not allow the process of justice to be compromised for political gains,” he asserted.
To counter the distress caused by these actions, a seven-member legal help group has been formed to assist those being targeted. Committee Convenor Mohammed Mustaqeem has urged Malegaon residents to reach out for immediate legal and political support if they face undue scrutiny. He assured that the community must stand united against any injustice while using all available legal means to uphold their constitutional rights.
