Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh): A police case has been registered against Maulana Zaki, the imam of Jama Masjid in Sherkot town, for allegedly collecting donations to support Palestinian families impacted by the ongoing Gaza conflict. The complaint claims that a fatwa was circulated, pressuring people to contribute and threatening those who didn’t comply, as per a report by the Clarion India.
Maulana Zaki has denied all allegations of coercion or intimidation. He stated that his deteriorating health has prevented him from giving a full statement to the authorities. The incident has triggered deep concern among the local Muslim community, who see this as part of a larger pattern of selective targeting and criminalisation of Muslim humanitarian efforts.
Locals have rallied in support of the imam, questioning why charity drives by Hindu organizations rarely face such legal scrutiny, while a fundraising appeal for oppressed Palestinians is treated as a criminal act. They see it as yet another example of how expressions of solidarity with Palestine are being curtailed in India.
Many believe the complaint was filed under pressure from right-wing groups and allege that this fits into a broader trend of intimidation of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. In recent months, several cases have surfaced across the country involving Muslims being penalized for online posts, public protests, or charitable activities supporting Palestine.
The case has cast a chilling effect on donors, particularly among low-income Muslims who have been quietly sending whatever they can to assist war-affected families in Gaza. The fear of police action now looms large, adding to a sense of insecurity and helplessness within the community.
The incident underscores the increasing criminalisation of Muslim voices and religious expressions in politically charged times, where humanitarian aid can be construed as subversive.
