Gujarat: Islamist mob storms Hindu traders’ shop, saying, ‘Evacuate, it’s a waqf order’—Here’s what we know

The Rajkot Police have initiated legal action against a group of approximately 25 individuals, including one Farooq Musani, in connection with the vandalism of two shops owned by Hindu traders. The incident occurred on the night of December 31, 2024, when the accused allegedly broke into the shops located in the Old Danapith area by smashing the locks and proceeded to throw the merchandise onto the streets.

The episode has sparked outrage among the local business community, many of whom have been leasing these properties for decades. One of the affected traders, Virendrabhai Kotecha, who operates a mandap service business, expressed deep anguish over the incident, describing it as a blatant act of lawlessness. “They forcibly broke the locks and began throwing goods onto the street. Even now, my shop’s belongings are lying outside,” he told media.

Allegations of Waqf Property

The accused claimed that the shops in question were Waqf properties and cited an order purportedly issued by the Gujarat State Waqf Board to justify their actions. Musani presented a document dated December 19, 2024, which instructed the immediate transfer of the properties to the Nawab Masjid Trust. However, Kotecha and other traders vehemently denied receiving any prior notice, a procedural requirement under Waqf Board regulations.

“We consulted our lawyer in Ahmedabad, who confirmed that the Waqf Board’s rules mandate issuing three notices before possession can be taken,” Kotecha explained. “No such notices were issued to us, making this act entirely unlawful.”

Police Response and Legal Proceedings

Following the incident, Kotecha filed a formal complaint at the Rajkot A-Division Police Station. An FIR was registered on January 1, 2025, against five identified individuals, including Farooq Musani, under sections 189(3), 190, 329(3), and 351(2) of the Indian Penal Code. The police also named several unidentified individuals in the complaint.

Rajkot City DCP Zone-2, Jagdish Bangarwa, confirmed the filing of the FIR and stated, “A letter has surfaced claiming that the shops were vacated following an order from the Waqf Board. Verification of this letter is underway. According to the Waqf Board’s own regulations, possession must be taken following proper procedures, including issuing notices and conducting eviction in the presence of police. Since these rules were not followed, action has been initiated.”

Disputed Ownership

The ownership of the disputed properties remains a contentious issue. Initially, the complainant believed the shops were under the jurisdiction of the Nawab Masjid Trust. However, further investigation revealed that the land belongs to the Public Works Department (PWD). This discrepancy has added another layer of complexity to the case.