Dehradun: Amidst the Waqf Board amendment case, Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams, on Tuesday, met Union Minority Welfare Minister Kiren Rijiju at his residence in Delhi and demanded CBI investigation of Waqf properties across the country. During his conversation, he specially mentioned Piran Kaliyar in Roorkee.
These amendments aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in Waqf properties
Since the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduces several key changes to the management and regulation of Waqf properties in India and for this, Muslim religious leaders including opposition parties have been opposing it. According to these amendments, the composition of the Central Waqf Council will now include non-Muslim members, and MPs, former judges, and eminent persons appointed to the Council need not be Muslims. Moreover, state governments will nominate members to the Waqf Boards, including non-Muslim members and representatives from various Muslim communities. These amendments aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the management of Waqf properties.
People involved in misappropriation of Waqf properties are opposing it
Uttarakhand Waqf Board President Shadab Shams stated that most of the Waqf Board properties in Uttarakhand are currently occupied. He pointed out that those involved in the misappropriation of Waqf properties since India’s independence are the same individuals opposing the proposed amendments to the Waqf Board. Shams emphasized that properties intended for the upliftment of the poor have now become leisure spots for certain people, with all state properties being occupied.
Demanded a CBI inquiry of the properties of Piran Kaliyar
He has specifically called for a CBI investigation into the properties of Piran Kaliyar in Roorkee. According to Shadab Shams, the Uttarakhand Waqf Board oversees approximately 5,300 properties. Shams believes that a CBI inquiry into these properties could reveal one of India’s largest scams, as many of these properties are currently occupied by illegal tenants.
Union Minister assured investigation
Shadab Shams said that the Union Minority Minister has assured investigation in this matter. He also said that soon the Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will also be made aware of the whole matter and strict action will be demanded against the corrupt.