In India, a Muslim couple was forced to leave their newly purchased home in the upscale TDI City residential area of Moradabad after facing protests from Hindu neighbors who opposed their presence due to their religion.
The protests began on Tuesday night when residents discovered the sale, reports BBC.
A viral video from the demonstration sparked outrage across the country, showing resident Megha Arora claiming that Dr Ashok Bajaj, who sold the house, did so without consulting them.
She said they cannot tolerate a Muslim family living near their temple. This also concerns the safety of women.
She further declared: “We will continue protesting and ensure they don’t stay here.”
Several residents also visited the district magistrate’s office to file a formal complaint, chanting slogans against Dr Bajaj and the Muslim couple outside.
On Friday, Dr Ashok Bajaj informed the BBC that a resolution had been reached through mediation by the city’s elected representative.
As part of the agreement, the Muslim couple who had purchased the house would resell it to a Hindu family already residing in the housing society.
Dr Bajaj, who runs an eye hospital in Moradabad and had lived in the society for over six years, explained that he sold the property to the Muslim couple, both doctors, with whom his family had shared a 40-year relationship.
However, the couple decided against moving into the house due to the controversy.
He expressed disappointment over the incident, calling the uproar over the sale “unnecessary” and stating he never anticipated it would attract national attention.
DHAKA TRIBUNE