Local Muslim community victimised as Waqf Board land worth Rs 100 crore was illegally occupied for nearly two decades in Jamalpur, Ahmedabad
NEW DELHI/AHMEDABAD — A shocking scam involving Waqf property in the Jamalpur area of Ahmedabad has exposed how valuable land donated for Muslim religious and social use was illegally occupied by a local man, Salim Jumman Khan, for nearly 20 years. Instead of outsiders, it was the misuse by members within the community that led to this scandal.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has launched a major demolition drive against the illegal 9-storey building worth Rs 100 crore constructed on the Waqf land, which spans 2,734 square metres and was used to generate unlawful income for two decades.
Salim Jumman Khan, the key accused, allegedly took control of land that once housed a school destroyed in the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and transformed it into a residential and commercial complex without any legal permissions. The building contained 85 flats that Khan leased out, collecting the rent illegally, claiming to be a trustee of the Waqf property.
A Municipal Corporation spokesperson said, ‘This illegal occupation and misuse of Waqf property has caused immense loss to the Muslim community, who have rights over this land. The action by AMC is a necessary step to recover community assets.’
Ahmedabad Police arrested Salim Jumman Khan and four others on 20 April following an investigation into the scam, after which the Enforcement Directorate also began probing the case in May.
The Waqf Board’s properties in Gujarat, which include mosques, madrasas, graveyards, and commercial real estate, are donated for religious and social welfare among Muslims. Many of these properties are located in posh city areas and are worth crores of rupees.
Local Muslim leader, Maulana Asad Rizvi, expressed deep concern, saying, “It is heartbreaking to see our own people betray the trust of the Muslim community by illegally grabbing Waqf land. This land is meant for the service of our community, and such acts harm our social and religious institutions.”
He added, “While there have been accusations of negligence against the Waqf Board, political interference and local pressures make it difficult to protect these properties fully. We hope the authorities will take stronger measures to prevent such scams in the future.”
This case throws light on the widespread neglect and poor security surrounding Waqf properties. Despite audits and occasional monitoring, local leaders with vested interests have allegedly facilitated encroachments and illegal transfers, weakening the Muslim community’s hold on these assets.
One resident of Jamalpur, Ahmed Sheikh, said, “The community has suffered because of corrupt elements within. Salim Khan used his influence to dodge action even during the Covid-19 lockdown, and the authorities did not do proper checks for years.”
A Waqf Board official, requesting anonymity, admitted: “There is a lack of resources and political will to safeguard all Waqf properties. The system needs reforms and better transparency to stop these illegal occupations.”
The Gujarat government and AMC’s recent drive to demolish the illegal building shows a firm stance on protecting Waqf properties, but this comes amid growing fear among Muslims due to the Waqf Amendment Act passed by the central government. Many within the community see this legislation as threatening their religious rights and property security.
Local social worker, Fatima Begum, commented, “The community is already worried about government policies that seem to undermine Muslim institutions. Cases like this create distrust, but it is crucial to separate the wrongdoing of a few from the community’s larger interests.”
On Monday, AMC workers began demolishing the building with hammers as bulldozers could not initially access the site. Water and electricity supplies to the building were cut off to facilitate the demolition process. Authorities plan to increase demolition efforts once the building is vacated.
Municipal Commissioner Anil Patel said, “We are committed to restoring Waqf property for its rightful community use. Illegal constructions will not be tolerated, and we will work with the police and ED to bring all culprits to justice.”
Waqf properties are vital assets for Indian Muslims, providing space for worship, education, and community services. The misuse of such properties affects not only the immediate community but also the social fabric and trust in local institutions.
Community leader Dr Imran Hussain stated, “When individuals like Salim Khan misuse Waqf lands, it damages our heritage and future. It is time for collective vigilance and strict oversight to protect these properties from internal and external threats.”
This case serves as a stark reminder that vigilance and transparency are essential to safeguard the interests of the Indian Muslim community. It is not outside forces, but negligence and corruption within that have endangered precious community assets. The AMC’s decisive action is a step forward to reclaim what belongs to the people and restore faith in the management of Waqf properties.
