NEW DELHI: In a startling development, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) which works under Narendra Modi-led Indian government demolished the residence of rat miner Wakil Hassan, a key figure in leading the team that heroically rescued 41 individuals from a perilous situation in Uttarakhand’s Silkyara tunnel.
Wakil Hassan, who spearheaded the team of rat miners instrumental in the rescue last November, found his home in Khajuri, North East Delhi, demolished by the DDA. The demolition has shocked many, given Hassan’s celebrated role in the recent rescue mission. His leadership and bravery during the Uttarakhand tunnel crisis earned him widespread recognition and praise.
Vakil and his wife, Shabana, were not at their residence when DDA officials arrived in the neighbourhood. “They knocked at our door and said that they are our neighbours, but I didn’t open it,” said Aliza, Hassan’s daughter. “They were talking rudely. When I didn’t open the door, they said that they’ll break it. I asked them to wait for papa. But they broke into the house. They hit my brother and took him away…. When Munna Qureshi uncle tried to stop them, they slapped him”, she added.
Hassan, who also heads Rockwell Enterprises, the company employing the rat-hole miners, expressed dismay over the demolition. He said that he was not served a notice by the DDA. “I didn’t seek any reward for what we did. I just wanted my home and even that has been taken away from me.” “They came for demolition when my wife and I were away, leaving only my children at home. Despite my pleas upon returning, they proceeded with the demolition, targeting only my house amidst several others,” Hassan said.
Shabana said that Hassan was targeted for his Muslim identity. “They didn’t target the adjoining homes. How should I see it? Racism?…Did they break Hassan’s home because he’s a Muslim? Had he been some Sanjay, Rakesh or Ram, the government would have readily given him a job, admission to his kids in a good school, they’d have built a new home for him, or maybe they’d have erected a statue in his name. However, they have even snatched the roof over my husband’s head.”
