Did Kabir Foundation Report Abuse of QR Code for Mosque Donations?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kabir Foundation alleges misuse of a QR code for mosque donations.
- ₹3.50 crore raised for the mosque project.
- Legal complaint filed with Berhampore Cyber Crime Police.
- TMC MLA Rabiul Alam Chowdhury accused of fraud.
- Public interest litigation filed to stop mosque construction.
Kolkata, Dec 13 (NationPress) The foundation managed by the suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir claimed on Saturday that a QR code established to gather donations for a proposed Babri Masjid-style mosque in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, has been misappropriated by unknown individuals.
The West Bengal Islamic Foundation of India, led by Kabir, asserted that a fraudulent act occurred involving a counterfeit QR code. They have filed a complaint with the cybercrime division of the West Bengal Police.
Aminul Sheikh, the foundation's joint treasurer, registered a complaint with the Berhampore Cyber Crime Police against three unidentified suspects. The police have opened a case under Sections 336(3), 338, and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and have commenced an investigation into the case.
The complaint alleges that the suspects duplicated the trust's information and created a fraudulent QR code intended to mislead donations. Sheikh further contended that funds were being illicitly collected through this counterfeit code.
Speaking to the media, the Bharatpur MLA accused TMC MLA Rabiul Alam Chowdhury from Rejinagar of orchestrating the alleged scam.
“My foundation has lodged a complaint with the cybercrime unit. I have identified the culprits. It was the supporters of Rabiul Alam Chowdhury who were involved. If the police do not take action, I am prepared to take matters into my own hands. I will pursue appropriate measures and will not overlook the bank where the funds were sent either,” the TMC rebel leader cautioned.
In response to the charges, Chowdhury refuted any connections and challenged Kabir's assertions. “Whether it was my supporters or others, we urge him to substantiate who committed the fraud. Until then, these accusations are unfounded,” he stated.
It is noteworthy that approximately ₹3.50 crore has already been raised for the mosque project advocated by Kabir. Manual counting of cash donations, stored in 11 trunks, was finalized on Wednesday night. Moreover, online contributions were deposited into the trust's designated bank account via QR code transactions, the very QR code that the foundation claims was misused.
The controversy surrounding Kabir escalated last week when he unveiled plans to lay the foundation stone of a Babri Masjid-style mosque at Beldanga in Murshidabad district. On December 4, the TMC suspended Kabir for actions deemed anti-party. Despite this suspension, Kabir proceeded with the mosque initiative and laid the foundation stone on December 6.
Kabir has indicated that construction of the mosque is set to commence in the first week of February in Beldanga. He also mentioned that the Quran will be recited by one lakh people a day before construction begins.
Meanwhile, a public interest litigation has been filed in the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday, seeking orders to halt the mosque's construction. The case is expected to be reviewed next week.