Investigation into Shahi Jama Masjid Waqf properties reveals lakhs of rupees siphoned off through illegal collections; political links under scrutiny
NEW DELHI — A major scam involving the income of Waqf properties has come to light in Agra after a detailed inquiry by the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board. The case centres on Waqf numbers 74 to 94 attached to the historic Shahi Jama Masjid, one of the city’s most important Muslim religious sites.
Following the probe, the Waqf Board has issued notices to Islamia Local Agency chairman Mohammad Zahid Qureshi, secretary Azam Khan Malik, and other committee members. They have been asked to submit their replies within 30 days. The board has warned that failure to respond may lead to the dissolution of the committee under Section 67(2) of the Waqf Act.
According to the findings shared with the Board, Zahid Qureshi is accused of illegally collecting nearly ₹4.5 million from Waqf income. Media reports state that the income was allegedly split into two parts, with one portion deposited into the committee’s account and the other kept outside official records.
A senior Waqf Board official said, “The preliminary inquiry points to serious irregularities. Waqf income is meant for religious and charitable purposes. Any misuse is a betrayal of the trust of the Muslim community.”
It is alleged that around ₹3.6 million remains unaccounted for and is being concealed. The investigation also points to illegal earnings from parking areas and shops located within the Jama Masjid premises. Tenants reportedly paid large sums in the name of “turban” and “nazrana”, payments that do not appear in official records.
One shopkeeper, requesting anonymity, said, “We were asked to pay lakhs every year. There were no receipts. When we questioned it, we were told this is how things work.”
Records show that no formal audit of the Waqf income has taken place since 2022. Investigators believe the lack of auditing helped the alleged misuse continue unchecked. Community members say regular audits are essential to protect Muslim religious institutions from internal corruption.
Azam Khan Malik, the secretary of the agency, has also come under scrutiny. He is related to senior political figures, being the brother-in-law of Kunwar Danish Ali and the son-in-law of Samajwadi Party MLA Shahid Manzoor. His brother, Rameez Malik, is also named in the inquiry. The board has flagged a clear conflict of interest and accused Azam Malik of helping conceal funds.
A local Muslim scholar in Agra said, “This case must not be seen as an attack on Muslims or Waqf itself. It is about cleaning our own house. Waqf property belongs to the community, not to a few individuals.”
Muslim leaders have urged authorities to act firmly against those accused, stressing that strict action will restore faith in the Waqf system. “If the guilty are punished, it will send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated,” said a member of the local mosque committee.
The Waqf Board has stated that its aim is to protect Waqf assets and ensure that income is used only for religious, educational, and charitable needs of Indian Muslims. The next steps will depend on the replies received within the stipulated time.
