Demand for judicial inquiry into mortgaged Waqf graveyard linked to Darussalam Cooperative bank
HYDERABAD: A group of social activists has formally demanded a judicial probe into what they describe as a major financial fraud involving a notified Waqf graveyard. The graveyard was allegedly mortgaged to and then sold by the Darussalam Cooperative Urban Bank, where Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament, Hyderabad serves as Chief Patron.
In a representation submitted to the Secretary of the Minorities Welfare Department (MWD), the petitioners Dr. Lubna Sarwath accused the previous Telangana Waqf Board of inaction despite concrete inquiry reports pointing to the illegal encumbrance of waqf land.
According to detailed Inspector Auditor Reports dated July 21, 2022, and August 18, 2023, the waqf institution in question, Takia Raushan Dil at Outside Dabeerpura, is a notified graveyard admeasuring 6,072 square yards.
The reports reveal that the Mutawalli (manager) of the waqf institution allegedly mortgaged the waqf papers to Darussalam Cooperative Urban Bank Ltd. and then defaulted on the loan. The bank took possession and sold the notified graveyard land. The petitioners have attached these reports, which were before the Waqf Board.
Activists accuse Telangana Waqf Board of inaction
The activists, including Dr. Lubna Sarwath and Adv. Syed Taraq Quadri, allege that despite these reports, the then Waqf Board, meeting on September 27, 2023, passed a resolution. In this resolution, the Board allegedly failed to use its powers under the Waqf Act, which would have allowed it to take over direct management of the encroached graveyard.
The controversy takes on a political dimension because of Asaduddin Owaisi’s position. The petitioners point out that Owaisi is listed as the Chief Patron of Darussalam Cooperative Bank and was also a member of the Waqf Board during the relevant period. While Owaisi has criticized the BJP-led Central government over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it unconstitutional, this new complaint places him at the center of a land management controversy involving his own financial institution.
In her representation Dr. Lubna Sarwath urges the Secretary, MWD, to order immediate eviction of encroachers and fencing of the graveyard, and to hand over its management directly to the Waqf Board. She also calls for a judicial probe by a sitting judge to investigate the mortgage and sale, proceedings against the then Board members and officials involved, and strict vigilance mechanisms to prevent future fraudulent transactions.
