In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, the Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has issued notices to several Hindu families residing in the Purani Basti area of Raipur. The notices claim that the land on which these families’ homes are built is Waqf property, and the families have been directed to appear before the District Collector within two days or face legal action. The timing of these notices, delivered just a day before the Deepawali festival, has further fueled public outrage.
Purani Basti, one of Raipur’s oldest neighbourhoods, is home to families who have lived there for 60 to 70 years. Many of these residents possess property documents dating back to 1948 and 1965, which they argue legally establish their ownership. Despite this, the Waqf Board asserts that the land is designated as Waqf property, a classification under Islamic law for land dedicated to religious or charitable purposes.
The Board’s Chairman, Salim Raj, emphasised that the Board has identified properties worth approximately Rs 500 crore that were illegally sold or encroached upon.
The affected families vehemently deny the Board’s claims. They contend that they have been paying property taxes to the municipal corporation for decades and have maintained their homes without dispute. One resident remarked, “If this land was Waqf property, why was it not addressed earlier? We’ve been living here for generations with proper documentation.”
The abrupt delivery of the notices, especially just before Deepawali, a time of significant cultural and religious importance, has been perceived by many as an attempt to disrupt the community’s celebrations and instil fear among the residents.
In response to the controversy, the District Collector has called for a thorough investigation into the matter. Both the Waqf Board and the affected families have been asked to present their documents and evidence. The Collector has assured that a fair and impartial review will be conducted to determine the rightful ownership of the disputed properties.
The incident has led to widespread discussions on social media platforms, with many expressing solidarity with the affected families. Concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of power and the impact on community harmony. Some users have questioned the timing of the notices, suggesting that it was strategically planned to coincide with the festive season to maximise disruption.
