In a Waqf land dispute in Ujjain, Muslim woman Shamim Bano alleges illegal encroachment and forged deeds. Indresh Kumar demands justice and legal action.
New Delhi, July 10: A major waqf land dispute in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, has brought attention to what many are calling the misuse of Waqf laws and religious identity. Shamim Bano, a Muslim woman and legal heir to ancestral property, is fighting against what she calls a case of illegal encroachment and land grabbing in the name of religion.
Despite possessing all legal ownership documents, Bano claims a portion of her property has been forcibly occupied under the false claim of a mosque. Facing threats and alleged document forgery, she is now receiving national support from leaders including Indresh Kumar, mentor of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM).
“When a woman has to run from office to office to protect her lawful property and is intimidated under religious pretexts, it raises serious concerns about justice and constitutional rights,” Kumar said during a meeting with Bano in Delhi.
Shamim Bano contacted Dr. Shalini Ali, National Convener of MRM, who took up her case and introduced her to Kumar. “This was not a routine meeting — it was a moment of renewed hope in a system that had ignored her,” said Dr. Shalini.
Indresh Kumar Slams Misuse of Waqf Act
Indresh Kumar was firm in his statement:
“Shamim Bano is not alone. The Waqf system was originally meant to uplift oppressed Muslims — using it as a weapon to grab women’s property is unacceptable. Waqf exists for social service, not for land grabbing.”
He further emphasized that the issue is not limited to one woman in Ujjain but reflects a larger concern nationwide.
“We must work for proper and honest implementation of the Waqf Amendment Act. Poor and marginalized Muslims across India are looking at this law with hope for accountability and justice.”
He added, “No woman should have to fight alone. No officer or Maulana is above the law. A full investigation will be ensured, and legal and administrative support will be provided by the Manch.”
Details of the Ujjain Waqf Land Dispute
Shamim Bano’s family property — a 4,000-square-foot plot in Khairdiyamaan, Topkhana, Gali No. 3, Ujjain — has been in her family since 1935, registered in the name of her grandfather, Mohammad Hafiz. She holds complete documentation, including registration deeds, mutation records, and tax receipts.
However, she alleges that 1,800 square feet of this land has been falsely claimed under the name “Masjid Khair,” a mosque she says never existed.
“There were no prayers, no mosque structure, and no Waqf record. But now we’re facing threats and document fraud to justify illegal occupation,” she said.
Bano highlighted a forged donation deed with fake signatures used to claim the land under religious cover. Phrases like “speaking against a mosque is haram” are being weaponized to silence her, she claims. She has now received death threats, and accuses the Waqf Board of remaining silent on the matter.
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Waqf Board’s Role Under Scrutiny
There are increasing concerns about the Waqf Board’s involvement. Bano’s supporters are raising serious questions about whether it has turned into a “Waqf Mafia Board.” Despite complaints and document evidence, the Board has not responded.
Dr. Shalini Ali condemned the misuse of religion and law:
“No woman can be denied her constitutional rights under the pretext of religion or a Waqf institution. The Muslim Rashtriya Manch stands with every woman fighting for her rights.”
Shamim Bano’s Four Key Demands:
- Judicial and forensic investigation of the forged donation deed and arrest of those responsible.
- Security and protection for Shamim Bano and her family.
- Administrative action against illegal construction and land encroachment.
- Independent probe into the Waqf Board’s role and punishment of guilty officials.
A Larger Issue Beyond One Woman’s Fight
Activists say this case reflects a larger problem of land encroachment under the garb of religious identity. Despite holding valid documents, many are silenced in the name of faith. Shamim Bano’s fight is being seen as a symbol of resistance.
“This is not just about my land — this is about how the voiceless are suppressed in the name of religion,” she said. “If action isn’t taken now, this will happen to many others.”
The case now rests in the hands of the government, legal authorities, and the public conscience. Will they act, or stay silent?