Gujarat Mosque Trustee Arrested for Forced Eviction of Shopkeepers

A mosque trustee in Rajkot and eight others were arrested for unlawfully evicting shopkeepers. Led by Farooq Musani, they took over shops citing a Waqf Board order. Police returned possession to traders after complaints of illegal eviction and vandalism.

In a controversial move in Rajkot, Gujarat, police have arrested a mosque trustee and eight others for the unlawful eviction of shopkeepers from premises rented out by the trust. The eviction, led by mosque trustee Farooq Musani, occurred under the pretext of a Gujarat State Waqf Board order.

Shopkeepers, some of whom had been operating for decades, were abruptly displaced without notice as their goods were thrown onto the streets. The incident at Nawab Mosque sparked unrest, leading to prompt action by the police who registered an FIR against Musani and his group.

Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, assured the community that the shops have been returned to their rightful occupants, emphasizing a strict stance against such illegal maneuvers. Investigations are ongoing to ensure accountability and restore public confidence.

(With inputs from agencies.)