Karnataka: Waqf Scam Whistleblower Anwar Manipaddy Faces Death Threats Post Bill Approval
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Synopsis
Anwar Manipaddy, the former Karnataka Minority Commission President, faces death threats after exposing a Waqf property scam. Following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill, he has reported receiving threatening calls from various locations, raising concerns for his safety.
Key Takeaways
- Anwar Manipaddy reported death threats after exposing Waqf scams.
- The threats intensified post the Waqf Amendment Bill passage.
- Anwar submitted 7,000 pages of evidence on Waqf property encroachments.
- He emphasizes the need for reclaiming misappropriated Waqf land.
- Public support for the Bill is growing among the Muslim community.
Mangaluru, April 4 (NationPress) Former President of the Karnataka Minority Commission and former BJP leader Anwar Manipaddy, who brought to light alleged misappropriations of Waqf properties worth thousands of crores, has reported receiving death threats from abroad.
The threats have reportedly escalated following the approval of the Waqf Amendment Bill in both Houses of Parliament.
Anwar has informed Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal about these threats. Residing in Mangaluru, Anwar revealed that he has been receiving threat calls via internet and satellite over the past two to three days, with a significant rise in calls since Thursday.
During the parliamentary discussion on the Bill, Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted Karnataka and referenced Anwar Manipaddy’s report detailing the alleged Waqf scam.
Talking to the media on Friday, Anwar Manipaddy stated, “I am continuously receiving threat calls through the internet. The calls are being made from various locations, with threats issued in Hindi, Marathi, English, and other languages from North India. One caller, speaking in English, ominously warned that I won’t survive for long and mentioned that my own community would ensure I don’t live much longer.” He added, “They even claimed that all leaders are against me.”
“I have no issues with my community. I have informed Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal about the threats. Previously, I had declined the security offered to me. However, after the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, the threat calls have resumed, and I feel this is expected,” he remarked.
“In today’s world, it’s not difficult to kill someone. I am receiving frequent calls from friends and well-wishers advising me to stay indoors and to be cautious about who I allow into my home. Even relatives within the police department have urged me to remain vigilant,” he continued.
Regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, Anwar expressed immense satisfaction with its passage. “The last day was the happiest moment of my life. The Bill encapsulates the essence of my report. I had participated in Joint Parliamentary Committee meetings in New Delhi. This amendment has been enacted based on the findings and recommendations of my report,” he asserted.
“I have dedicated 12 years to this cause. I submitted around 7,000 pages of evidence detailing encroachments on Waqf properties. The Lokayukta upheld the report, and the media supported it. Yet, no action was taken at the time for various reasons,” he stated.
“Now, the Joint Parliamentary Committee had sought several clarifications, which I provided. In 1913, India had approximately 18 lakh acres of Waqf land, but that has now dwindled to 1.80 lakh acres. In Karnataka alone, out of 54,000 acres of Waqf land, 29,000 acres have been encroached upon,” he elaborated.
Anwar believes the Waqf Amendment Bill will subject many IAS officers and politicians to scrutiny. “Leaders from all political parties, especially Congress, will be exposed once the Bill is implemented. As encroachments are cleared, numerous individuals will face serious repercussions,” he warned.
“Half of the Muslims who opposed the Bill have now started to support it. That is the genuine trend in India over the past three to four months. Even mullahs have commended my efforts and the Bill, recognizing my work in exposing the encroachments,” he added.
Anwar also highlighted specific instances of encroachment in Bengaluru, such as 602 acres in Bellahalli, 400 to 500 acres along Mysuru Road, and prime property on Lalbagh Road owned by Hopcoms. He mentioned that medical and engineering colleges have also been established on encroached Waqf land.
“All this land must be reclaimed by the government. Those who encroached on Waqf property are essentially thieves. They must be punished under the provisions of the new Bill. That is my earnest prayer,” he concluded.
Anwar Manipaddy is credited with uncovering the Karnataka Waqf Board Land Scam concerning the alleged misappropriation of around Rs 2 lakh crore in Indian property funds, made public by a report submitted by the Karnataka State Minorities Commission in 2012.
In March 2012, Anwar Manipaddy, then Chairman of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission, presented a report to the then chief minister of Karnataka, D.V. Sadananda Gowda, alleging that 27,000 acres of land controlled by the Karnataka Waqf Board had either been misappropriated or allocated illegally.
