Mumbai, May 19: Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha visited a woman in Malad’s Malvani area who alleged that illegal construction outside her home was blocking her entry and that she was being threatened by members of a particular community.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Lodha stated that two Muslim youths were threatening the Hindu woman, and action would be taken against them. He also mentioned that the slaughter of animals inside the building was occurring without any permission, prompting police action on that front as well.
Lodha revealed that there were already cases registered against the two youths. He highlighted that incidents of threatening Hindus to drive them away were occurring in the area, and members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad had come to assist. BJP workers had lodged a complaint with the police, and Lodha had met with the police commissioner regarding the matter.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the FIR, noting that while it had been filed, the appropriate sections were not applied. He insisted that the culprits must be arrested and emphasized the need for measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Lodha also pointed out that it was well-known who had settled in the area and who had encroached on the land, assuring that the government would reclaim the land. He stated that Hindus were being harassed with false complaints and that senior officials had been informed about the situation. He called for an end to pressure and intimidation, warning that they would return if no action was taken.
The victim recounted that a man named Shaukat was preventing her from opening her door, which had been shut for nearly a year as he sought to occupy it. She expressed her desire for no further obstacles in accessing her home.