Raipur: A major issue has come to light in Chhattisgarh, where the State Waqf Board has found that about 400 of its properties have been illegally taken over. These properties, which are meant for the welfare of the Muslim community, were not supposed to be sold, but many have been sold off using fake documents.
The Board’s Chairman, Dr. Salim Raj, said that out of the 400 cases, 123 are in Bilaspur and 78 in Raipur. More properties may come to light as investigations continue. The Waqf Board estimates the total value of these properties to be around ₹500 crore.
One of the biggest concerns is in Raipur, where 40 shops on Malviya Road and Halwai Line have been taken over. These shops were originally given on rent, but over time, the tenants made fake documents and claimed ownership. Former caretakers of the Waqf properties are suspected to have helped in this.
The Waqf Board has sent notices to these shopkeepers and informed the Collector and police to take action. The traders are now trying to prove their ownership by showing old papers, but most of these are believed to be forged.
The Board has asked officials in all districts to cancel the fake documents and take back the properties. In many places, shopkeepers may be evicted if the property is confirmed to be Waqf-owned.
Some of the traders have already gone to court, and more are expected to follow. The matter is likely to reach the Waqf Tribunal, where legal decisions will be made.
The situation has created anxiety among traders and will likely lead to a long legal fight. The Waqf Board says it is committed to protecting its properties and will continue its efforts to get back land and buildings that were illegally sold or occupied.
