Property sale near temple triggers communal tension in Dabhoi, Gujarat

Vadodara: Local Hindu citizens staged a protest over the sale of a home to a Muslim guy in the Vankarvas area of Dabhoi.

A property transaction in Dabhoi, Gujarat, has sparked protests and heightened communal sensitivities after a Hindu homeowner sold his house to a Muslim buyer. The situation has drawn attention from local authorities and reignited conversations around religious tolerance and housing rights.

House Sale Opposed Due to Religious Identity

The house in question is located directly opposite a prominent Hindu temple. Keshavbhai Makwana, a member of the local Hindu community, sold the property to Hanifbhai, who belongs to the Muslim community. The sale triggered immediate outrage among some Hindu residents, who objected to a Muslim family living in such close proximity to the temple.

The protests were led by local residents who argued that cultural and religious differences between the two communities could disturb the social fabric of the area. Demonstrators also raised concerns about potential changes to the character of the locality, fearing that the presence of a Muslim family might alter local customs or traditions.

Community Submits Memorandum to Authorities

Protesters submitted a formal memorandum to the Dabhoi sub-divisional officer, demanding that the authorities intervene in the matter. They urged the administration to mediate the situation and press for the buyer to vacate the premises. According to the protesters, the transaction was conducted without adequately considering the sentiments of the local Hindu community.

Several women from the area expressed worry that the presence of a Muslim household might negatively impact matrimonial prospects for their daughters, citing perceived reputational concerns within the community.

Call for Relocation and Warning of Exodus

The protestors further demanded that Hanifbhai be encouraged to move to a Muslim-majority locality to maintain “communal balance.” They warned that if no action is taken by authorities, many local families may feel compelled to leave the area—an outcome they say they cannot financially or emotionally afford.

A Growing Debate on Religious Coexistence

The incident has prompted a wider debate on the right to residence, religious coexistence, and societal integration. It also raises concerns over whether such communal reactions could discourage inter-community transactions and weaken the secular framework guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

As of now, local authorities have not announced any formal decision, and the situation remains tense but under observation.