Bengaluru: The state government and the Waqf Board are embroiled in a growing controversy over allegations of widespread corruption, encroachment, and deliberate mismanagement of Waqf properties. The issue came to the forefront after Rajya Sabha member Lahar Singh Siroya brought serious accusations to light in a detailed letter addressed to Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Amendment Act.
Siroya’s letter referenced a report submitted in 2016 by retired High Court Justice N Anand, who served as Deputy Lokayukta. The report exposed shocking levels of malpractice in the management of Waqf properties, implicating both government officials and the Waqf Board itself. The findings have since been allegedly suppressed, raising questions about the motives behind the government’s actions.
Systemic Corruption and Concealment
Justice Anand’s report, according to Siroya, outlined in detail how Waqf properties were being misused, illegally sub-leased, and encroached upon. The report also alleged that officials responsible for protecting these properties—such as Waqf Board members, Muthawalis, and Sajjadahs—were complicit in the wrongdoing.
Siroya accused the Congress-led government of deliberately hiding the report to protect powerful individuals. “This report has been intentionally kept out of government records and the public domain, suggesting a clear attempt to shield those responsible,” his letter stated.
Met Shri Jagadambika Pal, Chairman of the JPC on the Waqf Amendment Bill, in New Delhi and handed over my letter regarding the suppressed Lokayukta Report, 2016, of the Karnataka Government. I urged Shri @jagdambikapal to summon this report, as it provides valuable insights into… https://t.co/Wxove18qjH pic.twitter.com/kECfGseiTR
— Lahar Singh Siroya (@LaharSingh_MP) December 10, 2024
The concealment of such a critical report raises several troubling questions about the involvement of influential figures. Siroya’s letter demanded accountability, emphasizing that this suppression benefits those with vested interests, potentially including political leaders and their associates.
Government’s Role Under Scrutiny
Siroya’s allegations extend to the state government, particularly its actions in 2016 when the inquiry commission’s mandate was abruptly canceled. This commission was formed in 2012 to investigate irregularities in Waqf property management but was rendered powerless on the same day the Deputy Lokayukta submitted his report.
“The timing of the cancellation is suspicious and raises serious concerns about the government’s intentions,” Siroya wrote. He further questioned whether the government feared the exposure of names linked to prominent leaders, including allies and associates of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Farmers and Landowners Targeted
While encroachers were allegedly shielded, farmers and landowners found themselves on the receiving end of government notices declaring their lands as Waqf properties. This has led to widespread anger among landowners, who accuse the government of siding with powerful encroachers while harassing ordinary citizens.
Siroya criticised the Congress government for failing to stand up for farmers and instead prioritizing the interests of the wealthy and politically connected. “This is a betrayal of the very people the government is supposed to protect,” he stated.
Damning Findings in the Deputy Lokayukta Report
Justice Anand’s report contains explosive revelations, including:
- Illegal sub-leasing of Waqf properties by those entrusted to manage them.
- Encroachments facilitated by Waqf Board officials in collusion with local authorities.
- The involvement of political leaders and their relatives in the illegal occupation and misuse of properties.
- District-wise data exposing the scale of encroachment in Bengaluru, Kalaburagi, Mysuru, and other regions.
- The report described the Waqf Board’s actions as akin to “a fence grazing the crop it is meant to protect,” underscoring the deep-rooted corruption within the institution.
Political Fallout
The BJP has seized upon these revelations to target the Congress, accusing it of enabling corruption and failing to protect public and private lands. “The Congress government’s decision to cancel the inquiry commission’s mandate shows it was complicit in the misuse of Waqf properties,” BJP leaders claimed.
The controversy has reignited debates over the management of Waqf properties, with calls for an independent investigation to uncover the extent of corruption and hold those responsible accountable.
Siroya’s Demand for Action
In his letter, Siroya urged the Joint Parliamentary Committee to thoroughly examine the Deputy Lokayukta’s report. He argued that the findings could provide critical insights into systemic issues and aid in drafting amendments to the Waqf Act to prevent future misuse.
“This report is a treasure trove of information about the scale of corruption and misuse of Waqf properties. It must be brought to light and used to ensure justice for the affected parties,” Siroya emphasized.
A Call for Accountability
The suppression of the Deputy Lokayukta’s report and the alleged complicity of the Waqf Board and government officials have placed both institutions under intense scrutiny. Activists, farmers, and political leaders have joined the demand for transparency and accountability, calling for an immediate independent investigation.
The issue has also highlighted the need for stricter regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent the exploitation of Waqf properties in the future. As the Joint Parliamentary Committee reviews the Waqf Amendment Bill, the controversy surrounding these allegations will likely shape its recommendations and lead to broader discussions about governance and integrity in managing public assets.
The unfolding scandal not only underscores the deep-seated issues within the Waqf Board and the state government but also raises questions about their commitment to transparency, fairness, and justice.
