Local authorities accused of ignoring basic needs and allowing poor-quality work; community leaders demand a full inquiry into the handling of public money
BHIWANDI — Muslim residents of Noori Nagar, New Azad Nagar and Dongari Pada in Bhiwandi in Maharashtra’s Thane District have alleged that the Rs 1 crore approved for the Faizi Pir cemetery has not been used for the purpose it was sanctioned for. They say the graveyard remains in a broken and neglected condition, even though the government had cleared a large grant for its development.
The fund had been approved under the Urban Development Plan by the government headed by Eknath Shinde. The money was meant for a protective wall, ablution room, stairs, a prayer space and other basic facilities. But locals say only a boundary wall has been built, and even that is of poor quality.
Residents say the cemetery has long suffered from a lack of essential facilities. They had repeatedly asked for a strong protective wall, a proper entrance gate, an ablution area, a room to keep the dead, and a separate place for prayer. But after the grant arrived, the work done on the ground has disappointed the entire Muslim community.
Social activist Santosh Rai, who filed a written complaint to the Additional Municipal Commissioner, said the contractor had only done superficial work.
“The contractor has just plastered the old wall to make it look new. The height of the wall is uneven in many places and the gates are weak and substandard,” he said.
Local resident Khan Ayub Zamindar also raised concerns about the strength of the structure.
“The material used is very poor. Anyone can see that this will not last. This raises serious questions about how the money has been used,” he said.
In response to the growing anger, a delegation led by Ameer Hamza of Sunni Masjid and Madrasa met Additional Municipal Commissioner Vitthal Dake. The delegation included Khan Ayub Zamindar, Israel Khan, Muhammad Ayaz Sheikh, Sohail Ahmed Shah, Mehboob Ansari, Santosh Rai and Devanand Goud.
The group demanded a full inquiry into the use of the fund and the quality of the construction work. According to the delegation, the Additional Commissioner took the complaint seriously. “He assured us that there will be a complete and impartial investigation,” a member of the group said.
However, Assistant Engineer of Prabhag Samiti-1, Waseem Sheikh, maintains that all work has been carried out according to the tender. “The government had given a grant for the repair and beautification of the cemetery as well as for drains in the area. All cemetery work has been completed as per tender rules,” he said.
Muslim residents say their concerns must not be brushed aside. They argue that funds meant for their religious and community spaces cannot be allowed to disappear without accountability. Many say that the condition of the cemetery is a clear sign that Muslims are being denied their rightful facilities, even when money is officially sanctioned.
The community now awaits the promised investigation, hoping it will expose how the public money was handled and hold those responsible to account.
