Maha to probe Wakf land transactions

Mumbai, Apr 6: Maharashtra government will probe alleged irregularities in Wakf board land transactions during the previous Congress-NCP regime, the state Assembly was informed today.

"We will probe alleged irregularities (in Wakf land transactions) during the 15 years (of Congress-NCP rule)," Minister of State for Minorities Development Dilip Kamble said.

The report of the state government-appointed ATAK Shaikh Commission on the status of Wakf properties was completed in 2011 and tabled in the state assembly in April last year, he said.

The report contained details of many properties from the region, which were encroached upon, were occupied without authority, illegally sold out, transferred or even leased.

"Names of former minister Rajendra Shingne and NCP leader Tariq Anwar are there in the report and if needed, their police inquiry will be conducted," he said, while speaking during a discussion on budgetary demands of his department. Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse said Wakf land transaction won't be allowed in the state.

Kamble said a request will be made to the Centre for giving subsidy to Christians for Jerusalem pilgrimage, on the lines of subsidy given to Muslims for Haj pilgrimage.

AIMIM MLA Imtiaz Jaleel said the government should, instead of giving subsidy for Haj, use that money for educational development of Muslim children.

PTI