Dargah trustees accuse authorities of illegal action and foul play, claiming violation of court orders and potential links to Adani Group’s resort development project
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The Phool Shah Baba Dargah, a revered shrine nestled on a hilltop in Navi Mumbai, has been demolished under controversial circumstances, sparking a wave of legal and public outcry. Trustees of the dargah are now seeking legal redress, alleging illegal demolition despite ongoing court proceedings and claims of foul play connected to a potential resort development project by the Adani Group.
The demolition took place under heavy police security during the late hours of Thursday night, while the matter was still pending before the Waqf Tribunal. According to Abdul Ghafoor Qazi, the chairman of the trust managing the dargah, the action was not only a direct violation of court proceedings but also a flagrant disregard for the rights of the trust. Speaking to the media, Qazi said, “The dargah has not only been demolished but the debris has been taken away in dumpers. A heavy police guard was posted to prevent us from going near the site. This is a clear contempt of court.”
The Phool Shah Baba Dargah, which has stood as a place of worship and spiritual solace for years, occupies four acres of land generously donated by the Qazi family in the late 19th century. The land was registered with the Waqf Board, and the family has maintained it through generations, paying property taxes regularly. “I have all the documents and evidence dating back to 1885 that prove the legitimacy of this property. It was donated by my family, and we have adhered to all legal obligations, including property tax payments,” Qazi stated. He added that the dargah was also formally registered with the Waqf Board, further solidifying its standing as a protected religious property.
However, despite these claims, the dargah was demolished without prior notice or consultation with the Waqf Board, raising suspicions about the true motives behind the action. The trustees are now exploring all legal avenues to challenge the demolition and ensure the rebuilding of the shrine. “We will not remain silent. Until this shrine is rebuilt, we will pursue justice through legal means,” Qazi stressed.
The Waqf Board, a governmental body that oversees the management of Islamic religious properties in India, has yet to issue a statement on the demolition. However, an officer from the board spoke to the media, emphasising that any action taken against Waqf-registered properties requires prior permission from the Board. “If action is taken against such a property without informing the Board, it constitutes a violation of the rules, which is a criminal act,” the officer explained. He further clarified that full details about the demolition would be available after the Board conducts a thorough investigation into the matter.
A hearing on the issue is scheduled for Monday (November 25) at the Waqf Tribunal, where the trustees hope to receive clarity and justice regarding the actions taken against the dargah. Despite the gravity of the situation, the trustees have expressed frustration with the slow pace of legal proceedings.
The demolition has raised further concerns due to its timing and the involvement of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (SIDCO). According to SIDCO, the demolition was carried out as per the orders of the court and in compliance with all relevant laws. However, the trustees have rejected the claim, calling it “false and misleading.” Qazi alleges that SIDCO had initially approached him for land to build a resort near the dargah, a proposal he firmly rejected. “Adani wanted to acquire this land for a resort development, and when I refused to sell, they resorted to these tactics to remove the dargah,” Qazi claimed.
The connection between the demolition and the alleged resort project remains unproven, but the trustees believe there is a direct link between the destruction of the shrine and the interests of the Adani Group. Qazi further alleged that the demolition, conducted under strict police arrangements, was part of a broader plan to clear the area for the resort, with the dargah standing in the way. “This is not about security concerns near the airport, as they claim. This is about vested interests trying to take over our land,” Qazi stated.
Despite SIDCO’s claims that the demolition was legal and necessary due to the absence of proper documentation, Qazi maintains that all necessary documents were provided to the authorities. “This claim is completely false. We have all the necessary paperwork, including registration documents, tax receipts, and Waqf Board approvals,” he insisted.
The demolition of the dargah has sparked widespread public anger, particularly among the Muslim community in Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas. For many, the shrine is more than just a place of worship; it is a cultural and historical symbol of the region. The loss of the dargah has left many residents in shock and disbelief, with protests erupting in several parts of the city.
A resident, Farida Khan, who has visited the dargah for years, expressed her anger, saying, “This is a sacred place for us. To see it demolished like this is devastating. We will not allow this to happen in silence. We will stand together to rebuild what has been destroyed.”
Legal experts are also weighing in on the matter, with some calling the demolition an unlawful act and a violation of the rights of the trustees and the wider Muslim community. Advocate Nasir Sheikh, who specialises in property law, commented, “The demolition of a Waqf property without informing the Waqf Board is a serious violation of the law. The authorities involved in this demolition may face legal consequences for contempt of court and illegal demolition.” Sheikh further emphasised that if the trustees could provide the documents they claim to have, the demolition could be ruled unlawful by the courts.
The demolition has also attracted political attention, with local leaders condemning the actions of SIDCO and the authorities. “This is not just an attack on a religious site, it is an attack on our community. The government and authorities involved must be held accountable for this unlawful act. We demand immediate action to halt any further demolition of religious properties,” Congress spokesperson Shubha Nair said.
Similarly, a member of the Shiv Sena, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We stand with the trustees of the dargah. This demolition is an affront to the community and should be investigated thoroughly. We will ensure that this issue is raised in the state assembly.”
The matter is expected to take several more weeks, if not months, to resolve, with ongoing hearings in both the Waqf Tribunal and the court. The trustees are hopeful that justice will prevail, but they remain vigilant, knowing that the legal battles ahead will be challenging.
“We will not allow this desecration to go unchallenged,” Qazi concluded. “This is not just about the dargah. This is about standing up for our rights, our heritage, and our community.”
Local Muslim leaders have rallied behind the trustees, calling for unity and legal action. “This is a fight for our history, our faith, and our dignity. We will not be intimidated,” said Imam Abdul Rashid, a community leader in Navi Mumbai. “The authorities must answer for this wrongful action, and we will ensure that justice is served.”
As the legal and public struggle continues, the Phool Shah Baba Dargah has become a symbol of resistance in the face of what many see as an unjust attack on religious and cultural heritage in the name of development.
