The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks from various authorities, including the Madhya Pradesh government and the Centre, regarding claims of financial irregularities and mismanagement of Waqf properties associated with Bhopal in Mecca and Medina.
A complaint highlighted alleged mismanagement of the Bhopal “Rubat” properties, accommodations linked to Waqf historically designated for pilgrims from Bhopal on Hajj journeys. The complaint accused Mutawalli Saba Ali Khan Pataudi and local associate Sikandar Hafeez of negligence and financial irregularities in overseeing properties in Mecca and Medina.
The complainant claimed that the Mutawalli’s failure to represent the Waqf adequately before Saudi authorities led to a loss of property control, depriving underprivileged Hajj pilgrims of traditional housing. Allegations included unauthorized fund transfers from the Medina Rubat, breaches of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), opaque annual audits, and misuse of facilities for personal connections.
In response, the complainant urged a comprehensive independent investigation involving the Central Waqf Council and the Indian Embassy, removal of the current Mutawalli, forensic audits of all foreign transactions, and diplomatic efforts to restore pilgrims’ entitlements.
The NHRC, noting potential human rights violations in the allegations, instructed notices to be issued to the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, the Principal Secretary of the state’s Revenue Department, the Secretary of the Union Ministry of External Affairs, the Chairman of the MP State Waqf Board, and the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Additionally, the NHRC specifically tasked state authorities with assessing whether the properties in question were acquired by the government during the 1947 Partition and, if so, whether they are presently under state management. Authorities are required to clarify any irregularities if not under state control, with all relevant bodies mandated to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks for NHRC review.
