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NHRC Probes Bhopal Waqf Property Scandal in Saudi Arabia, Seeks Reports

The National Human Rights Commission has sought detailed reports from the Madhya Pradesh government and the Centre over serious allegations concerning Waqf properties linked to Bhopal in Mecca and Medina. The complaint alleges gross negligence and financial mismanagement by the Mutawalli, leading to a loss of control over accommodations meant for Hajj pilgrims. It includes accusations of illegal fund transfers, FEMA violations, and a lack of audit transparency. The NHRC has directed multiple authorities to investigate the property's history since Partition and submit an Action Taken Report within a fortnight.

Key Points: NHRC Seeks Reports on Bhopal Waqf Properties in Mecca, Medina

  • NHRC seeks action report in two weeks
  • Alleged mismanagement of pilgrim accommodations in Saudi Arabia
  • Accusations of financial irregularities and FEMA violations
  • Probe into property status since 1947 Partition
2 min read

NHRC seeks reports from MP govt, MEA over alleged irregularities in Bhopal Waqf properties in Mecca-Medina

NHRC directs MP govt & MEA to probe alleged financial irregularities & mismanagement of Bhopal's Waqf properties in Mecca and Medina meant for Hajj pilgrims.

"allegations prima facie raise issues of human rights violations - NHRC"

New Delhi, April 14

The National Human Rights Commission has sought an Action Taken Report within two weeks from multiple authorities, including the Madhya Pradesh government and the Centre, over allegations of financial irregularities and mismanagement of Waqf properties linked to Bhopal in Mecca and Medina.

A Bench presided over by member Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance of a complaint alleging mismanagement of the Bhopal "Rubat" properties - Waqf-linked accommodations historically meant for pilgrims from Bhopal undertaking Hajj.

According to the complaint, Mutawalli Saba Ali Khan Pataudi and local associate Sikandar Hafeez were accused of gross negligence and financial irregularities in managing the properties situated in Mecca and Medina.

The complainant alleged that the failure of the Mutawalli to properly represent the Waqf before Saudi authorities resulted in the loss of control over the properties, thereby depriving poor Hajj pilgrims of housing facilities traditionally meant for them.

The complaint further alleged illegal fund transfers from the Medina Rubat, violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), lack of transparency in annual audits, and misuse of facilities for personal associates.

Seeking intervention, the complainant requested a high-level independent enquiry involving the Central Waqf Council and the Indian Embassy, removal of the present Mutawalli, a forensic audit of all foreign transactions, and diplomatic intervention for restoration of the pilgrims' rights.

Observing that the allegations prima facie raise issues of human rights violations, the NHRC directed issuance of notices 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.

The apex human rights body has also specifically directed the state authorities to examine whether the said properties were acquired by the government at the time of Partition in 1947, and if so, whether they are presently under state management.

If not, authorities have been asked to clarify the irregularities involved. All concerned authorities have been directed to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks for perusal of the NHRC.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Financial irregularities in Waqf properties is an old story, sadly. The system needs a complete overhaul. A forensic audit and diplomatic intervention are good first steps. Let's see if there is real action or just another report that gathers dust.
P
Priya S
As someone whose grandparents used these facilities for Hajj decades ago, this news is heartbreaking 💔. These rubats are a legacy. Mismanagement deprives the most deserving. Full support to NHRC's directives. The guilty must be held accountable.
V
Vikram M
While the NHRC's notice is welcome, I respectfully question if this is the best use of its resources. Aren't there more pressing human rights violations within the country? This seems like a property/financial dispute that other bodies can handle.
R
Rohit P
FEMA violations, illegal fund transfers... this sounds like a major scam. Properties in Mecca/Medina are incredibly valuable. The MEA and state govt must act swiftly. This involves India's image abroad and the rights of our citizens.
K
Kavya N
The historical angle is crucial. If acquired by the govt in 1947, then the state's responsibility is even greater. Hope the two-week deadline is taken seriously. Pilgrims should not suffer due to negligence. Jai Hind.

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