Hyderabad: Police has been deployed at Hussaini Alam to defuse tensions after the self-proclaimed muttawalli of the 430-year-old Ashoorkhana, after which the locality is named, began constructing an illegal structure inside the premises.
Syed Abdul Khader Hussain, who is not the recognised muttawali, claimed that he is in possession of a letter from the Wakf Board permitting the construction.
However, locals and muttawali Mirza Azam Ali Baig say there has been no official communication from the Wakf Board.
Mr Baig said: “If the Wakf Board has cleared the proposal, they would have sent called us for discussions. Why is Wakf Board is talking to Mr Hussain who is not the in-charge of this place?”
At a meeting with the cops, the locals said the Ashoorkhana is meant for prayers during the 40 days of Muharram. Mr Baig said, “A house cannot be constructed on this land, and there is an attempt to do just that.”
Social worker Mir Firasath Ali Baqri said, “The Wakf Board CEO is on leave and it is difficult to verify who gave the permission. There is no letter of permission from the GHMC or the heritage committee. There is no consensus among the devotees who visit the Ashoorkhana every Friday and during Muharram. The sanctity of the ashoorkhana has to be maintained.”
A senior officer from the South Zone police said that an inquiry was being conducted to verify the authenticity of the letter. Till then, no works would be allowed and the police would man the site to ensure that there is no flare-up.
