Amid the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of donations at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, Muslim clerics in Uttar Pradesh are calling for a thorough investigation into the reported embezzlement at Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards in the state. President of the All India Muslim Jamaat Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi has written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, urging a probe into the alleged scams at the Waqf Boards.
Maulana Bareilvi, blaming the Samajwadi Party for the compromised state of the Waqf during its tenure, emphasized the need for a proper investigation, suggesting that a significant scandal might be uncovered. President-Shia Markazi Chand Committee Maulana Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the persistent irregularities within the Waqf Board that need to be addressed.
Demanding a transparent inquiry into the alleged malpractices, Abbas stressed the importance of holding accountable those responsible and returning any properties currently held by the government back to the Waqf Board. Despite claims of irregularities, he expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the situation, calling for a more thorough investigation.
All India Shia Personal Law Board General Secretary Maulana Yasoob Abbas also supported the claims of financial misconduct at the Waqf Board, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive probe. He suggested the formation of a committee comprising retired judges and former IAS officers to oversee the Waqf Board, advocating for the removal of current board members.
In a letter to CM Yogi, Maulana Shahabuddin alleged that illegal activities related to Waqf land and property transactions thrived during the Samajwadi Party’s rule, with officials from the Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Shia Waqf Board compromising the Waqfs.
