Waqf Properties at Risk: Former AP MLA Shajahan Basha advocates urgent safeguarding measures
In the midst of growing concerns voiced by activists and public figures regarding the threat to Waqf properties in India, Mohammed Shajahan Basha, former MLA of Madanapalle constituency in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, has added his voice to the discourse. Speaking to Vartha Bharati, Basha highlighted the challenges faced by Waqf properties, emphasizing their crucial importance for the Muslim and minority communities. The issues at hand, as pointed out by Basha, require urgent attention and intervention to ensure the preservation of these valued assets.
Mohammed Shajahan Basha, former MLA of Madanapalle constituency in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh
Shajahan Basha emphasized the urgency of protecting these valuable assets, ensuring they are exclusively used for the welfare and development of Muslims and other minority communities. The seasoned politician who is currently a member of Telugu Desam Party(TDS), expressed concern about the possibility of government or other entities taking control over Waqf properties, underlining the need for a comprehensive strategy to prevent such occurrences.
Shajahan Basha also made several demands to address these issues effectively. One of the key proposals includes the establishment of a five-member committee in all states across India dedicated to the preservation and proper management of Waqf properties. This committee, according to Basha, would play a crucial role in overseeing the utilization of these properties for the betterment of the communities they serve.
According to Shajahan Basha, the BJP-led government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is allegedly attempting to undermine Waqf properties, even targeting historically significant landmarks such as Delhi's Jama Masjid. Basha firmly asserted that these properties are essentially owned by the donors who selflessly contributed from their wealth for the advancement and upliftment of the Muslim community.
He emphasized that once these properties are designated as Waqf, no changes in ownership can occur, except through the donors themselves while they are alive. Post their demise, the ownership status remains unchanged, making the government a mere custodian responsible for ensuring that these properties are utilized solely for the development and betterment of the Muslim community. Basha clarified that the government does not possess ownership rights over these properties and must function solely as their caretaker.
He further stated that the government, along with other authorities, is currently leasing out these properties, a practice he deems inappropriate. He stressed that the government's primary emphasis should be on transforming these properties into lucrative entities that benefit the Muslim community. This transformation could involve initiatives such as constructing shopping centers and complexes, aiming to generate revenue and provide livelihood opportunities for the economically disadvantaged sections within the Muslim community. According to Basha, this strategic shift in focus would contribute to the overall upliftment and economic empowerment of the marginalized segments within the Muslim community.
Basha asserted that presently, the Waqf Board manages properties exceeding a staggering value of 20 lakh crore rupees. He believes that if these assets are strategically utilized with a clear vision, they could significantly benefit the backward and downtrodden segments within the Muslim community.
Sharing his past experience as the MLA of Madanapalle, he highlighted an instance where he reclaimed a wrongly leased Waqf property, which was originally given out for a 99-year lease by the previous caretaker. Basha disclosed that he took control of the property and transformed it into a shopping center, thereby creating a sustainable source of revenue and livelihood for the local Muslim community.
Basha also criticized Muslim political leaders and public representatives who, he claimed, only focus on the development of the Muslim community during elections to secure votes but tend to neglect the community's needs once the electoral process concludes.
Basha urged the Congress party to direct its attention towards Waqf properties in states under its governance, including Karnataka, in order to prevent any misappropriation. He emphasized the necessity for all Congress-ruled states to establish a five-member committee, ensuring the protection of Waqf properties. The primary objective of this committee would be to guarantee that these properties are utilized exclusively for the benefit and development of minority communities, with a specific focus on the Muslim population.
Basha wrapped up by expressing concern about the potential loss of Waqf properties to government possession if not adequately protected. He stressed the urgency of giving special attention to these properties, highlighting their pivotal role in the long-term upliftment of the Muslim community.
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Nightclub fire: Goa court remands Luthra brothers in police custody for five days
Panaji (PTI): A court in North Goa on Wednesday remanded Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, in police custody for five days.
The brothers, brought to Goa from Delhi after being deported from Thailand in connection with the December 6 blaze that killed 25, were produced in the court after undergoing health check-ups twice at the District Hospital in North Goa.
Judicial Magistrate First Class Mapusa Puja Sardesai remanded the two brothers in police custody for five days.
Advocate Vishnu Joshi, representing Bhavana Joshi who lost four family members in the tragedy, said that the accused were asking for “special consideration” claiming poor health.
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“We said they should not be given any extra relaxation,” he said, adding that the court has taken cognisance of the fact that this is about the death of “25 people in the form of mass genocide”.
“But since they kept pressing for medical check-up, the court ordered reexamination of their health. It is clear in the medical examination that they don’t require any consideration. The accused sought special considerations in the lock-up like a good mattress, which the court refused,” said Joshi.
A team of the Goa Police, along with the Luthra brothers, arrived at the Manohar International Airport, Mopa, in North Goa at 10.45 am.
The duo was initially taken to a Primary Health Centre at Siolim for medical examination. They were then taken to the District Hospital at Mapusa.
After their health assessment, the two were brought to the court.
The court directed that the accused be sent for fresh medical examination. Accordingly, the two were again taken to the District Hospital.
Later, they were produced before Judge Sardesai, who ordered the five-day police custody of the accused.
After the fire tragedy at Arpora village, the Anjuna police had registered a case against the Luthra brothers on various charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The brothers were arrested in Delhi on Tuesday after being deported from Thailand. A court there allowed the Goa Police their two-day transit remand.
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The duo had fled to Phuket in Thailand early on December 7, hours after the fire at their nightclub, prompting the authorities to issue an Interpol Blue Corner Notice and cancel their passports.
They were detained by Thai authorities at Phuket on December 11 following a request from the Indian government, which later coordinated with officials in Thailand to deport them under legal treaties between the two nations.
Five managers and staff members have already been arrested by the Goa Police in connection with the fire.
