By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: In a much needed relief to Muslims populace, UP Shia Waqf board will offer free facilities to the deceased in nearly 2000 graveyards, which includes free land stretches, across the state.
Chairman, UP Shia Waqf Board, Waseem Rizvi stated that this step has been amidst reports of charging high amount for graves in the graveyards which are in the possession of the board. “We got number of reports from different parts of the state specially state capital that space for graves are being sold from Rs 5000 to Rs 70000 in different
graveyards. But now, it will not be tolerated,” he added.
Reports of space for graves selling at high prices were in practice from past 10 years. “I admit that this decision and check over grave selling has been delayed and this decision should have been taken years before. But we will now correct the things and people will get graves for free,” Waseem added.
He shared that we are ready for face off with ‘Grave Mafias’ and for the purpose directions have been sent to Mutawallis (caretakers) of the respective graveyards of the state. We will place boards in graveyards about this decision of giving free graves.
“On those boards, my number as well as waqf board’s offices number will be printed so that if anyone wants to lodge complaints they can do so directly to us,” he added.
Waseem informed that if we found that any of the Mutawallis selling graves, then strict actions will be taken against them and FIR will be lodged. I have also asked for financial accounts of the five years and also to return all the money taken from the family member of deceased for graves, in the year 2011-12.
“It was also reported that at some of graveyards, commercial complexes have come up, once identified those will be razed to the ground as any type of commercial activity in graveyards is illegal,” he added.
Meanwhile, members of Husaini Tigers burnt the effigy of Chairman, UP Shia Waqf Board, Waseem Rizvi near Hazratganj Crossing on Sunday. They were demanding that he should be removed from Waqf board and a person with good and clean image should be appointed as Chairman of the board.
Vice-President of Husaini Tigers, Naqi Husain alleged that WaseemRizvi should be dismissed from Shia Waqf Board as he has involvement in number of corruption cases. “There were several properties of Waqf board were sold despite knowing that he didn’t take any action,” he claimed.
He threatened that if he will not be removed from the post of chairman within in few days, we will intensify the agitation and will gherao Vidhan Sabha to press for our demands.
When asked, Waseem Rizvi over the issue, he refuted on the charges and said that these charges of corruption are baseless and they have no proofs too. “It was being done on the directives of particular person but we will not take back, the decision of providing free graves at any cost,” he added.