Deccan Waqf Protection Society president Osman Bin Alhajri, who has been fighting alleged encroachments on the Waqf‑notified Toli Masjid lands spanning over 27 acres, also faced a life‑threatening attack.
Hyderabad:Waqf activists and officials working to protect Waqf properties against alleged encroachments are facing frequent intimidation, life threats and, in some cases, brutal attacks.
Several Waqf properties in the State continue to remain under dispute, with management and control issues pending for years. Activists noted that many long‑pending disputed Waqf properties have been neglected by the Waqf Board, leaving those working for their protection vulnerable to threats and attacks.
Deccan Waqf Protection Society president Osman Bin Alhajri, who has been fighting alleged encroachments on the Waqf‑notified Toli Masjid lands spanning over 27 acres, also faced a life‑threatening attack.
“Although the attack left me in critical condition for nearly 10 days, I have been fighting the encroachment issue till date,” he said, adding that even his son was attacked while trying to save encroached property.
According to Alhajri, in 2017 the High Court asked the government to remove the encroachments, but the order was not implemented. Since then, he has been submitting representations to GHMC and the Waqf Board, but no action has been taken.
Waqf activist Md. Habeebuddin said due to the Board’s weaknesses, many disputes have dragged on for years. “I was also attacked by a self‑styled management for raising the issue of mismanagement. An attempt was also made to register a false case against me,” he said.
Even at sites under status quo orders, attacks have continued. Sources said that six months ago, land sharks attacked security guards at midnight who had been deployed by the Waqf Board to protect Idgah Alamgir, 90.17 acres of Waqf land in Guttala Begumpet.
Not just activists, but Waqf Board officials have also faced attacks and murders. About two decades ago, assistant secretary Abdul Khadeer was allegedly murdered for raising his voice against Razak Manzil encroachments. His body was reportedly disposed of in a sewage pipeline. Sources said several other officials had also faced attacks from land grabbers.
