Waqf Amendment Act sparks massive protest against Bihar Minister Zama Khan in Kaimur
Patna: The recently enacted Waqf Amendment Act has ignited widespread anger among sections of the Muslim community in Bihar, leading to a major protest in Bhabhua, the district headquarters of Kaimur. The protest was directed against Bihar’s Minority Welfare Minister Mohammad Zama Khan, who hails from the same district.
On Tuesday, members of the Muslim community organised a protest march in Bhabhua, voicing their strong opposition to the Waqf Bill, which they allege undermines the autonomy of Waqf properties and weakens the role of the community in managing them. The protest took a dramatic turn when Minister Zama Khan’s convoy arrived near the rally site.
In an apparent attempt to avoid direct confrontation, the Minister’s vehicle reportedly deviated from the regular route. However, the protesters quickly recognised the convoy and surrounded it, raising slogans of “Zama Khan Murdabad” and accusing the Minister of abandoning minority interests.
Security forces were swiftly deployed to the area to manage the situation. The Minister was escorted away safely amid high-pitched sloganeering and mounting tension on the ground.
Mohammad Hanif Khan, the District President of AIMIM, addressed the protesters and voiced their primary concern. “The Waqf Bill has just been implemented, and we are completely against it. Zama Khan has failed to defend our rights. If he cannot represent us, what purpose does his ministry serve?” Khan asked.
Protesters claim the legislation centralises control and strips the community of its traditional rights over Waqf properties.
Since the bill was passed in both Houses of Parliament, at least 20 Muslim leaders affiliated with the Janata Dal (United) have resigned, citing betrayal of the community’s trust.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Three more arrested in connection with murder of Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru
Mangaluru (Karnataka), May 14 (PTI): The Mangaluru City Crime Branch has arrested three men in connection with the murder of Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty, officials said on Wednesday.
The accused, identified as Azaruddin alias Azar alias Ajju (29), Abdul Khader alias Noufal (24) and Vamanjoor Noushad alias Chotte Noushad (39), were arrested during the last two days, they said.
With the fresh arrests, a total of 11 people have been arrested in connection with the murder so far, police said.
According to a police statement, Azaruddin had previously been booked in three theft cases registered at Panambur, Suratkal, and Mulki police stations. He allegedly provided information about Shetty's movements to the other accused, aiding in the murder.
Khader is said to have assisted the accused during their escape in a car after the murder was committed.
Noushad is accused of having conspired with the others and directly participated in the crime. He has six previous criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, and robbery conspiracy, registered at various police stations in Dakshina Kannada, police said.
Azaruddin has been remanded in judicial custody, while Khader and Noushad have been taken into police custody for seven days for further investigation.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to trace other accused involved in the case.
Shetty, a known rowdy sheeter and Hindutva activist, was murdered by a group on May 1 within the Bajpe police station limits in Mangaluru City.
