Controversy over seeking refund of money for mass marriage

Chhatarpur, MP, Nov 16 (UNI) A notice issued by the Chhattarpur Collector for returning money provided towards organising of a mass marriage programme for 51 Muslim girls has kicked up a controversy.

A mass marriage programme of 51 Muslim girls was organised here in the presence of Garib Nawaz Samiti Chairman Mohammed Karim on April 8.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state Health Minister Ajay Vishnoi and other senior officials took part in the programme.

The district administration had issued a cheque of Rs three lakh to the Samiti after marriage expenditure-related bills were submitted.

Collector V K Batham had alleged that the amount was deposited in the account of the Samiti. He issued a notice to the Samiti to refund the money within seven days failing which a case would be registered against it.

On receiving the notice, Mohammed Karim charged the Collector of being anti-Muslim and sent a memorandum to Governor Balram Jakhar, Mr Chouhan, Mr Vishnoi, district incharge Minister Nagendra Singh, the Chief Secretary, Secretary (General Administration) and the Divisional Commissioner demanding action against the Collector.

Mr Karim told UNI that he had taken strong exception to the notice in the memorandum and pointed out that no complaints had been made in respect of other mass marriage functions.

He alleged that the notice was issued to harass him and demanded action against the Collector for discriminating on the basis of religion.

Mr Batham refused to comment on the matter.

UNI