Chhattisgarh: Over ₹500 cr worth Waqf properties illegally occupied

Raipur: A serious issue has emerged in Chhattisgarh, where the State Waqf Board has discovered that nearly 400 of its properties have been illegally occupied. These assets, intended for the welfare of the Muslim community, were not meant to be sold, yet many have reportedly been sold off using forged documents.

Dr Salim Raj, the Chairman of the Waqf Board, revealed that 123 of these cases are from Bilaspur and 78 from Raipur. He added that more such cases may surface as the investigation continues. The Board estimates the total value of the encroached properties to be around ₹500 crore, Free Press Journal reported.

One of the most troubling areas is Raipur, where 40 shops located on Malviya Road and Halwai Line have been illegally taken over. Originally rented out, these shops were later falsely claimed as private property using forged documents. Former caretakers of these Waqf properties are believed to have played a role in the scam.

The Waqf Board has sent notices to the shopkeepers involved and informed both the Collector and the police, urging them to take necessary action. Many traders are now trying to establish ownership using old documents, but most of these papers are believed to be fake.

Officials across all districts have been directed by the Board to nullify forged documents and reclaim the properties. In areas where the ownership is confirmed to be under the Waqf Board, eviction of shopkeepers may follow.

Some of the affected traders have already taken the matter to court, and more are likely to do the same. The case is expected to be brought before the Waqf Tribunal for legal resolution.

The situation has sparked anxiety among the business community and is expected to result in a lengthy legal struggle. The Waqf Board has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting its properties and will persist in its efforts to recover land and buildings that have been illegally sold or occupied.