Congress corporator Anwar Qadri disqualified for five years:Divisional Commissioner removes Ward 58 corporator on IMC proposal over Love Jihad funding, criminal charges

In a major development, Divisional Commissioner Sudam Khade has ordered the removal of Ward No. 58 corporator Anwar Qadri from his post and declared him disqualified for five years under Section 19(1)(a) of the Madhya Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1956. The decision follows a proposal submitted by Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav, who sought Qadri’s removal citing his alleged involvement in repeated criminal activities and conduct unbecoming of a public representative. The order was passed under Section 23 of the Act, which empowers the Commissioner to disqualify elected members found guilty of misconduct. Serious allegations and criminal history Qadri faces a series of serious criminal charges, including allegations of funding ‘Love Jihad’ networks, multiple cases of assault, intimidation, attempt to murder, and property fraud, as well as a forged arms license. Earlier this year, a viral video featured two men claiming that Qadri had financed them to lure Hindu women into conversion and exploitation. Following the video, Banganga Police registered a case naming Qadri as the key conspirator. He remained absconding for nearly three months before surrendering in court on August 29 after a Rs40,000 reward was announced for his capture. His criminal record dates back decades, including a 1996 dacoity case registered at Ujjain’s Mahakal Police Station and a 2009 attempt to murder case in Indore. Official records show 23 criminal cases against him under sections 323, 506, 392, 302, 307, 452, 427, and provisions of the Arms Act and Religious Freedom Act. Political and civic fallout A special meeting of the Indore Municipal Corporation had passed a resolution recommending Qadri’s removal, following public outrage over his repeated criminal involvement. Commissioner Khade noted that Qadri was given ample opportunity to present his defense but failed to appear for hearings or provide any documentary evidence in his favor. The record clearly shows that Anwar Qadri has been continuously involved in criminal activities. His continuation as a corporator is neither in public interest nor in the interest of the municipal body. the Commissioner stated in his order. Controversies and past incidents In April 2025, Qadri was also embroiled in a controversy during a protest where his supporters allegedly shouted ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans. He was later arrested following a complaint by BJP MLA Golu Shukla. Additionally, Qadri and associates are under investigation for forging property documents in a land fraud case in Khajrana and for possessing a fake arms license issued from Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district. A rare precedent in Madhya Pradesh This is among the first cases in Madhya Pradesh where a sitting corporator has been formally disqualified for five years under the amended municipal provisions of 2003. Legal experts suggest the case could set a precedent for future municipal accountability actions across the state.