Prophet row: Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind moves SC against ‘illegal’ demolition exercise in UP

It also sought directions to initiate action against officials responsible for the houses demolished allegedly in violation of the rule of law and the municipal laws enacted by the Uttar Pradesh government.

The Muslim organisation, in its application, also sought directions to the state government to not take precipitative action in Kanpur district against the residential/commercial property of any accused in any criminal proceedings as extra-legal punitive measure.

On June 3, violence broke out in Kanpur after Friday prayers as members of two communities clashed over controversial comments made by now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma on Prophet Muhammad.

The protesters indulged in hurling petrol bombs and stones and vandalising public properties, including shops and vehicles. At least 40 people including some police personnel were injured in the incident.

Following the June 3 clashes, similar incidents of violent protests were witnessed in several other districts of the state, including Prayagraj and Saharanpur.

Soon after the violence, senior police officials had asked their subordinates either to seize the accused’s properties or run bulldozers.

On Sunday, the administration sealed three properties in various areas of those allegedly involved in the violence.

Earlier on Saturday, the Kanpur Development Authority demolished a multi-storey building allegedly belonging to one Mohammad Ishtiyaq, a close aide of Hashmi. According to police, the key conspirator of the violence was a major investor in the demolished building.

Houses of accused involved in violent protests in Prayagraj and Saharanpur districts of the state were also razed by the civil administration.