NHRC member flags 'nation within a nation' theory in religion-based township ads; vows strict action on Machhli family

Delhi/Bhopal: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo on Wednesday said that the rights panel is sending a notice to the Maharashtra government over plans to create separate settlements for Muslims in the state.

“We are issuing a notice to the Maharashtra government asking whether it is granting permission to create separate settlements for Muslims in Maharashtra, the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This matter is not just about creating a separate township. The advertisement is being done in such a way that it suggests Muslims are facing intolerance and want to move to a separate place to protect themselves. This is an implementation of the 'nation within a nation' theory,” Kanoongo said.

Machhli family associate approaches NHRC member

Kanoongo said that a man claiming to be a business associate of Bhopal’s controversial Machhli family approached him at his New Delhi residence on Wednesday.

According to Kanoongo, the individual identified himself as Jainendra Pathak and claimed to be a real estate partner of Sharik Machhli. Pathak allegedly said he had come on behalf of the Machhli family, which is facing serious charges including drug trafficking, money laundering, and coercive religious conversions.

“The person offered me sweets he had brought, but I reprimanded him and asked him to leave. I have filed a formal complaint, following which Delhi Police detained the individual,” Kanoongo posted on X.

Investigations against Machhli family intensify

Kanoongo said that the Bhopal Crime Branch has initiated investigations against Sharik Machhli and other family members for alleged involvement in the narcotics trade and exploitation of Hindu women through forced religious conversion.

“There will be no leniency. Madhya Pradesh Police will investigate the matter with utmost strictness and integrity,” he said in a Hindi-language post.

Over the past few weeks, nearly a dozen members of the extended Machhli family have been booked under various charges, with several arrests already made. The investigation is being led by Bhopal’s Crime Branch.

On August 21, the Bhopal district administration demolished a luxury bungalow belonging to the Machhli family, citing illegal construction on government land. Multiple properties and encroached plots linked to the family have also been seized in recent weeks.

The crackdown follows the July arrests of Shahwar Machhli and his nephew Yasin (also known as Yaseen) Machhli, accused of playing central roles in a drug syndicate allegedly operating across Madhya Pradesh.

Machhli family background

Originally from Budhwara, an old locality in Bhopal, the Machhli family began as fish brokers before relocating to Hathaikheda in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Over time, the family reportedly cultivated ties with local politicians and influential figures, allegedly shielding their expanding illegal operations. Their activities later diversified into fish farming, illegal mining, land grabbing, and, by the late 1990s, narcotics and arms smuggling.