Save Qutub Shahi Masjid from encroachers: TDP

Khilwat:TDP Minority leadership on Wednesday demanded that the Wakf Board officials visit Qutub Shahi Masjid located at Shaikpet, and take measures to protect whatever little is left of it from the threat of encroachment. The encroachers have not only demolished a portion of wall, but also threatened to kill caretaker (Mutawalli) of the mosque.

Speaking to The Hans India, TDP Greater Hyderabad Minority Vice-President Mohammed Ahmed said that already huge chunks of Wakf land have been encroached upon and constant neglect only made the encroachers bolder. He said that in the latest case of Qutub Shahi Masjid in OU Colony, the accused not only demolished the wall but also threatened the caretaker.

“When police verified the claims of the accused, he could not produce any document that supports his claim. I demand that Wakf Board Chairman visit the mosque, before more damage is done,” he noted.  Meanwhile, MBT leader Amjedullah Khan assured the caretaker Mohd Afzal Qadri who had met him all the support. The Mutawalli said that the existing 150-year-old Qutub Shahi Masjid has 2,500 sq yards of land as per Gazette No: 26-A1 dated July 1, 1982 and Land Survey records of 1964 and 1970. He alleged for the last 15 years land grabbers had been trying to occupy this land, but due to the help of Golconda police and Wakf Board, the masjid land was safe till now. 

“My father late Mohd Omer (Police Patel) also served as the Mutawalli of the Masjid for 40 years. But for a few days, one Fiyaz Khan Qulaidi with help of some pahelwans and bouncers has been trying to occupy the said Wakf land. After my complaint to Golconda Police and Wakf Board, the work was stopped. Since they failed to grab the Wakf land worth crores of rupees, now they are issuing life threats to me,” said a worried Afzal Qadri.

Amjedullah Khan assured that he would take the matter to the notice of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Home Minister Mohammed Mehmood Ali, Wakf Board Chairman Mohd Saleem and Commissioner of Police  Anjani Kumar, and see that the existing 2,500 sq yards of masjid land are protected and those who are found guilty of threatening the Mutawalli get arrested.