The controversy over Bhopal Rubats (guest houses) in Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia refuses to die down as after about a fortnight when the issue seemed to have been resolved by Auqaf-e-Shahi, an attempt by an imposter Shahar Qazi has not only complicated the issue but also delayed it.
One Qazi Aman Ullah Khan, posing himself as the Qazi of Bhopal using a fake letterhead of Dar ul Qaza (Islamic Court) not only misguided the External Affairs Ministry of India but also Saudi Authorities here and in Saudi Arabia, intervened in the issue before the dust over its settlement could have been settled.
Khan not only used fake letterhead but also used fake stamps of Dar ul Qaza and Shahar Quazi to establish himself as the Bhopal Qazi. Mentioning history of the Rubats, he pointed out that the present appointment of Saudi Nazir was not as per rules.
“As per the documents released from the court of Medina Munawara in the year 1344 only the eldest member of the Bhopal royal family could be the Nazir of Rubats but the current Nazir Saba Sultan, daughter of Mansur Ali Khan is not eligible. Hence, she should be withdrawn and ousted and should not be provided the authority to conduct the responsibilities of Shahi Waqf,” Khan said in his letter.
Notably the appointment of Bhopal Shahar Qazi is made by the Masajid Committee Bhopal. When Masajid Committee was contacted to know as who is the Shahar Qazi of Bhopal, it replied that Syed Mushtaq Ali Nadwi holds the post.
Shahar Qazi Mushtaq Ali Nadwi when contacted to know his side over the issue said, “Dar ul Qaza is a 300 old institution and that his appointment as Shahar Qazi was made by the government following all rules and regulations and that I am executing duties as Shahar Qazi since 2011. There is no other Shahar Qazi in Bhopal.”
Secretary Auqaf e Shahi Bhopal Azam Tirmizi said, “Attempts have been made to harm waqf Rubats through fake documents attestation of that was done by the External Affairs ministry. This is forgery and we are taking legal opinion to further proceed in the case.”
Tirmizi further said that Khan has not only committed fraud with the people of Bhopal but has also cheated External Affairs ministry and Saudi Authorities here in India and in Saudi Kingdom. “We would not let him go for that. The people of Bhopal are angry and are urging us to take legal action against Khan that we would do for sure after exploring all legal options,” he added.
Notably, the Rubats were built by the erstwhile Nawabs of Bhopal in Saudi Arabia to felicitate Haj pilgrims from their State that also includes Raisen and Sehore. Bhopal’s begums had built these palatial accommodations for the pilgrims from the then princely state. The two Rubats (lodges) were managed by the Indian consulate earlier but due to renovation work these palatial houses were razed. But the newly constituted executed board has made arranged this year for the pilgrims from princely State.