Did ED Uncover a Rs 100 Crore Waqf Board Fraud in Ahmedabad?
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Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, the <b>Enforcement Directorate</b> has raided <b>10 locations</b> in Ahmedabad, targeting a <b>Rs 100 crore</b> fraud scheme linked to a fake Waqf Board trustee. The investigation uncovers deep financial misconduct and potential misappropriation of religious assets.
Key Takeaways
- ED raids target 10 locations in Ahmedabad.
- Rs 100 crore fraud linked to fake Waqf Board trustees.
- Salim Jummakhan Pathan accused of illegally collecting rent.
- Historic properties like Kaanch Ni Masjid involved.
- Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 promotes inclusivity.
Ahmedabad, May 6 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted operations at 10 locations in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as part of an investigation into a fraud amounting to Rs 100 crore. The suspect, Salim Jummakhan Pathan, is accused of wrongfully claiming to be a trustee of the Waqf Board and illegally collecting rent from Waqf properties.
This action follows an FIR lodged by the Gaekwad Haveli police, which previously led to the arrest of five individuals for allegedly impersonating Waqf Board trustees.
The accused are charged with unlawfully gathering rent from properties tied to the Waqf Board, notably the historic Kaanch Ni Masjid (Glass Mosque) and the Shah Bada Qasam Trust located in the Jamalpur area.
Investigations reveal that these individuals were never officially designated as trustees by the Gujarat State Waqf Board.
Nonetheless, they purportedly acted as authorized representatives to extract rent from tenants residing in Waqf-owned properties and businesses built on land leased to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).
An important finding in the probe indicates a plot originally designated by the Waqf Board to the AMC for school construction.
The school was damaged during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. By 2009, the accused allegedly tore down the remaining structure and began leasing the land. Salim Pathan, one of the main suspects, reportedly established an office named Sodagar Construction in one of the shops while renting out the remainder. The rent collected was neither deposited into the Waqf trust's official account nor reported to the municipal authority, resulting in a misappropriation of public and religious assets.
The ED’s raids are part of a wider investigation into the alleged financial misconduct and money laundering associated with this case.
Ongoing investigations are expected to reveal more information.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which came into effect on April 8, introduces significant improvements in the management of waqf properties in the country, aiming to bolster transparency, inclusivity, and administrative efficiency.
This Act mandates the inclusion of non-Muslim members within the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, allowing for a more diverse representation. Specifically, up to 12 out of 22 members in the Central Waqf Council and 7 out of 11 members in State Waqf Boards can be non-Muslims. Additionally, it requires at least two Muslim women to be included in these committees, promoting gender inclusivity.
Point of View
We remain committed to delivering unbiased and factual reporting. The recent ED raids highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public and religious assets. Our focus is on ensuring that justice is served and that such fraudulent activities are curbed effectively to protect the interests of the community.
NationPress
06/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the ED's raids in Ahmedabad?
The ED's raids were initiated in connection with a Rs 100 crore fraud case involving Salim Jummakhan Pathan, who is accused of impersonating a Waqf Board trustee.
Who is Salim Jummakhan Pathan?
Salim Jummakhan Pathan is the main suspect in the fraud case, allegedly posing as a Waqf Board trustee and illegally collecting rent from Waqf properties.
What properties were involved in the fraud?
The fraud involved properties associated with the Waqf Board, including the historic Kaanch Ni Masjid and Shah Bada Qasam Trust.
What actions were taken by the police prior to the ED raids?
The Gaekwad Haveli police registered an FIR and arrested five individuals for misrepresenting themselves as Waqf Board trustees.
What reforms does the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 introduce?
The Act promotes transparency and inclusivity, allowing non-Muslim members to join the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, along with mandating representation of Muslim women.
