Waqf Board probe demanded by Muslim clerics in Uttar Pradesh
Synopsis
Senior Muslim clerics across Uttar Pradesh — cutting across Shia and Sunni lines — are demanding a transparent, judge-led probe into alleged embezzlement and land encroachments at both Waqf Boards. One cleric has claimed the scam could dwarf the Ram Mandir donation controversy, while another has called for the Board's current members to be removed entirely.
Key Takeaways
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi of the All India Muslim Jamaat wrote to CM Yogi Adityanath on 14 July seeking a probe into alleged scams at the Sunni and Shia Waqf Boards .
He alleged irregularities 'flourished during Samajwadi Party governments' and claimed a probe could reveal 'a scam bigger than the Ram Mandir.' Maulana Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi of the Shia Markazi Chand Committee said illegal encroachments on Waqf lands have been flagged for years and called for return of properties in government possession.
Maulana Yasoob Abbas of the All India Shia Personal Law Board demanded a committee of retired judges and former IAS officers to oversee the Waqf Board, with current members removed.
The Uttar Pradesh government has not announced a formal inquiry as of the date of reporting.
Muslim clerics in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, 14 July demanded a fair and transparent investigation into alleged embezzlement at both the Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards in the state, with the calls coming a day after a formal letter was sent to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking action against what were described as 'scams' within the Boards.
Background and the Letter to CM Yogi
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, wrote to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath demanding a probe into alleged irregularities at the Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Shia Waqf Board. In his letter, Bareilvi alleged that 'illegal business of buying and selling Waqf land and property flourished during the Samajwadi Party (SP) governments,' and that officials responsible for both Boards 'compromised the Waqfs.' He further claimed that if the investigation proceeds in the right direction, 'a scam bigger than the Ram Mandir will come to light.'
Clerics Back the Demand
Maulana Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi, President of the Shia Markazi Chand Committee, backed the call, stating: 'We have consistently demanded and we want the government to conduct an investigation of the Waqf Board because the matters in the Board are not perfect in any way.' He noted that the demand was not new, saying irregularities including illegal encroachments on Waqf lands had been flagged for years. He also pointed to Waqf properties allegedly in government possession and called for their return to the Board.
Abbas added a pointed critique: 'But despite the government's claims of irregularities, it is not conducting a thorough probe.' He demanded strict action against those found guilty.
Shia Personal Law Board Weighs In
Maulana Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, also supported the allegations, stating he had 'been hearing about misappropriation of funds and properties at the Waqf for a long time, irrespective of political parties in power.' He appealed to CM Yogi to constitute an oversight committee comprising retired judges and former IAS officers to run the Waqf Board, and called for the removal of its current members.
Broader Context
The demands emerge alongside a separate controversy over alleged theft of donations at Ayodhya's Ram Temple, which has kept questions of religious institution accountability in the public spotlight. Notably, the clerics' criticism spans political lines — Yasoob Abbas explicitly said misappropriation concerns pre-date any single government. This is not the first time Waqf Board governance has come under scrutiny; past audit reports have flagged encroachments on Waqf properties across multiple states.
What Happens Next
As of now, the Uttar Pradesh government has not announced a formal inquiry in response to the letter or the clerics' statements. Industry observers and legal experts note that a credible probe would require independent oversight — precisely what Yasoob Abbas has proposed through a retired-judges committee. Whether the state government acts on these demands remains to be seen.
Point of View
But senior Muslim clerics from both Shia and Sunni traditions. That cross-sectarian consensus undercuts any framing of the issue as factional or partisan. Yet the clerics' frustration is also directed at the current government: they note that despite public claims of irregularities, no thorough probe has been ordered. The Waqf Board governance crisis is structural and long-standing, predating any single administration. A retired-judges committee, as proposed, would be the credible minimum — anything less risks the appearance of selective accountability.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against the Waqf Boards in Uttar Pradesh?
Muslim clerics have alleged embezzlement of funds, illegal buying and selling of Waqf land, and encroachment on Waqf properties at both the Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Shia Waqf Board in Uttar Pradesh. The allegations span multiple governments, according to the clerics.
Who demanded the Waqf Board probe and why?
Senior Muslim clerics including Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, Maulana Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi, and Maulana Yasoob Abbas demanded the probe, citing years of unaddressed irregularities. They wrote formally to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking an independent investigation.
What action has the Uttar Pradesh government taken so far?
As of 14 July, the Uttar Pradesh government had not announced a formal inquiry in response to the letter or the clerics' public statements. Maulana Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi specifically criticised the government for not conducting a thorough probe despite claiming awareness of irregularities.
What kind of probe are the clerics asking for?
Maulana Yasoob Abbas proposed a committee of retired judges and former IAS officers to independently oversee the Waqf Board, with current Board members removed. Maulana Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi called for strict action against those found guilty and the return of Waqf properties currently in government possession.
How does this relate to the Ram Temple donation controversy?
The Waqf Board demands came amid a separate controversy over alleged theft of donations at Ayodhya's Ram Temple, which has kept questions of religious institution accountability prominent. Maulana Bareilvi claimed a proper Waqf probe could reveal 'a scam bigger than the Ram Mandir,' though this claim has not been independently verified.
