Irregularities in Wakf led to loss of innumerable properties

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

In order to crack down on irregularities and protect Wakf properties in the state, the Karnataka State Minority Commission has issueseveralal directives to the Wakf Council, one of which is to establish five divisional offices in districts including Karavali.

 Speaking at a conference on Saturday, KSMC Chairman Abdul Azeem said that since the Wakf Board is functioning from Bengaluru, the people from the nook and corner of Karnataka are compelled to visit the head office facing hardship and inconvenience.

 "Reorganising the offices of the Wakf Board and decentralising the powers to the divisional offices may help people bring their disputes and grievances to our notice from their respective places," Abdul Azeem said.

The Chairman also said that he recently came across that the fund of Rs 10 crore, granted for the construction of compound wall for Wakf properties, is being improperly utilised. "Funds have been released without any accountability to the Wakf institutions, which will now be monitored. A suitable proposal will be sent to the state government regarding this," he said.

Even after the completion of their term, the management are allowed to function without holding either the general body or holding the elections, which has resulted in a dismal performance, financial irregularities, and violation of law & order. A similar incident occurred in Tippu Nagar ward, where the self-styled president of Khudadad Masjid, Ayub Khan, was stabbed to death by his nephew, Matheen, over a presidential dispute. Abdul Azeem said that the Wakf Board is to be held fully responsible for their failure in carrying out its responsibilities.

Speaking about the recent High Court order stopping the issue of marriage certificates, Azeem said that it is causing difficulties for the people. He said that Council has requested the government to issue suitable revised orders and the file is pending in the law department.

He condemned the fact that certain managing committees are issuing Talaq/ Khula certificates without counselling the parties and are accept a certain amount of money for it. Recently, there was a dispute between the civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the State Wakf Board over the ownership of the Eidgah Maidan. "We are discussing the issue with the Central Muslim Association (CMA).

Soon we will come to a conclusion," he said. Proper data of the Wakf properties across the state must be maintained along with their relevant documents, including proof of physical possession, said Abdul Azeem