Delhi Riots: Akhtar Raza, Muslim BJP Leader, Claims Mob Set His House Ablaze In Bhagirath Vihar

Akhtar Raza has been associated with the BJP for the past five years. “Nobody from the BJP contacted me (after the riots). There was no phone call. There was no relief or special treatment or anything,” Raza told the Telegraph.

Akhtar Raza in front of his burnt house on Sunday. Picture by Basant Kumar Mohanty (The Telegraph)

Delhi riots:  House of a Muslim BJP leader was set ablaze in the deadly riots in the national capital last week.  Akhtar Raza, the district vice president of BJP's minority cell told news agency PTI that on February 25, an irate crowd had gathered in his neighbourhood in Bhagirath Vihar in the evening and within a couple of hours there was carnage all around. "The crowd raised religious slogans and began setting houses on fire. There are 19 houses belonging to Muslims in the area including mine and three of my relatives... all were burnt down," he said. Raza alleged most of the rioters were outsiders. As he along with 12 of his family members were fleeing their burning home, they were pelted with stones by the mob, he alleged. "I sought the help of police but was told that the force was short-staffed. I did not receive any phone call or relief from the party but I have been assured of justice," he was quoted by the news agency. Raza has been associated with the BJP for the past five years. “Nobody from the BJP contacted me (after the riots). There was no phone call. There was no relief or special treatment or anything,” Raza told the Telegraph. Raza had called some party leaders who were “positive”. He continues to be associated with the BJP.“I am related to the BJP. Maybe I will continue,” Raza said. In front of Raza’s house is a lane from which several bodies have been recovered, he said. Meanwhile, the number of those killed in the violent communal clashes that spiralled across the northeast region of New Delhi climbed to 46 on Monday. On Sunday, rumours broke out about fresh tensions in Rohini, Uttam Nagar, Tilak Nagar, Khanpur-Deoli, Rohini and Khyala areas, which the Delhi Police quickly denied.