New Delhi: In the ongoing anti-Muslim drive in India, officials in Gujarat’s Bet Dwarka town have demolished 525 properties belonging to Muslims, a report revealed.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the majority of the demolished homes were owned by Muslim fishermen. The report highlighted instances where mobs celebrated the destruction of Muslim religious sites, raising slogans as dargahs were bulldozed.

Notably, 52 of the affected homes were constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojna, a government housing initiative. Despite residents presenting legal documents, authorities disregarded and even destroyed these papers.

A fact-finding team comprising APCR, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), and social activists visited the area on January 18. Residents reported that demolitions occurred within two days of receiving notices, leaving no time to secure belongings. In some cases, demolitions happened just a day after notices were issued.

A displaced woman expressed distress, stating that despite living there for over 30 years, their home was demolished without any rehabilitation plan. She mentioned they are now homeless, surviving in makeshift tents with minimal support.

An elderly resident, who had been paying taxes and bills for decades, criticized the state’s actions. He questioned why they were allowed to reside on government land for 50 years if it wasn’t permitted, condemning the lack of alternative housing.

The demolitions have disrupted education, with nearly 400 children losing their homes and access to schools. Residents, already suffering from water shortages, have now lost access to potable water.

The APCR report suggests the demolitions were conducted to pave the way for infrastructure projects, including a road expansion to a temple. It accused the government of promoting a divisive agenda, alleging that the state is compromising constitutional rights by fostering majoritarian culture and hostility against Muslims.