Land Grab In The Name Of Religion Won’t Be Tolerated: Indresh Kumar

A Muslim woman from Madhya Pradesh, Shamim Bano, has raised serious allegations against religious groups and the Waqf Board for attempting to illegally occupy her ancestral property in Ujjain. Her fight for justice has now reached the national stage, highlighting concerns over Waqf land disputes and the misuse of religious institutions for land grabbing.

Shamim Bano, a resident of Ujjain, inherited a 4000 sq ft property in Khairdiyamaan, Topkhana, Gali No. 3, which was registered in 1935 under her grandfather Mohammad Hafiz’s name. Despite holding all legal documents, including registration papers, mutation records, and tax receipts, she claims that 1800 sq ft of the land has been forcefully taken in the name of a non-existent mosque, “Masjid Khair.”

According to Bano, no mosque ever existed on the site, and no religious activity had taken place there. She alleges that religious leaders and local power brokers fabricated ownership documents, including a forged donation deed with fake signatures. She also claims she is being threatened and silenced with religious phrases like “speaking against a mosque is haram.”

MRM pledges support, demands action against Waqf Encroachment

Shamim Bano’s plea reached the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) when she contacted its National Convener, Dr Shalini Ali, in Delhi. Dr Ali brought the matter to MRM mentor Shri Indresh Kumar, who responded firmly. “The Waqf system was made to uplift the poor, not to grab women’s property. Using religion to seize land is unacceptable,” he said.

Indresh Kumar called for a full investigation and promised all legal, social, and administrative assistance to Bano. He asserted that no officer or Maulana is above the law and said, “This is not just a fight for one woman, but for every oppressed person suffering under religious misuse.” He further stated that proper implementation of the amended Waqf Act is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability.

Dr Shalini Ali emphasised that no woman should be denied her constitutional rights under the guise of religion. She called Shamim Bano’s struggle a symbol of courage, adding that the Manch stands with every woman fighting for dignity and justice.

Forged documents and death threats raise alarms

The most serious charge in the case is the use of forged documents to claim Waqf ownership over private property. Bano has demanded a judicial and forensic probe into the fake donation deed, arrest of those involved in forgery, and action against illegal encroachment.

She has also sought protection for herself and her family, citing threats to her life. Furthermore, she demanded an independent probe into the role of the Waqf Board and punishment of guilty officials.

Bano’s case reflects a broader crisis facing vulnerable members of the Muslim community, especially women, who are often targeted under religious pretexts despite having valid legal claims. Her situation has sparked concern over the growing misuse of the Waqf land dispute system and the silence of the authorities.

This is no longer a solitary battle. It has become a test of whether institutions meant to protect the vulnerable will stand up or surrender to silence. Shamim Bano’s fight now demands urgent attention from the government, the administration, and society at large.

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