Waqf Whistleblower Attacked: Exposing Rs 1200 Crore Land Scam in Pune

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 24th July 2025: In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about the safety of whistleblowers in India, prominent waqf rights activist and legal crusader Saleem Mulla was physically assaulted inside the Maharashtra Waqf Board office in Chatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday. The attack occurred during an official meeting where Mulla was presenting fresh evidence of large-scale waqf property scams.

Unidentified men entered the meeting hall and reportedly assaulted Mulla in full view of officials and board members. The assailants managed to escape even as security at the premises failed to intervene promptly.

Mulla, who heads the Maharashtra Waqf Liberation and Protection Task Force, has been at the forefront of exposing alleged corruption, encroachments, and illegal transactions involving waqf properties across the state.

Multiple High-Profile Scams Exposed

Over the past several years, Mulla has filed public interest litigations and submitted legal complaints related to:

The Alamgir Masjid Waqf Scam, with an estimated fraud value exceeding ₹5,000 crore The Udan Shah Wali Dargah Land Scam in Baner, involving waqf land worth ₹1,200 crore Real estate fraud in Pune’s Baner and Kondhwa areas using fake trusts Bogus tenancy conversions and illegal lease transactions across dargahs and mosques in Maharashtra

“Organised Crime Behind the Attack,” Says Former Tax Official

Condemning the attack, former Chief Commissioner of Income Tax Akramul Jabbar Khan said, “Saleem Mulla’s life is in serious danger. He is being targeted by a well-connected land mafia that has infiltrated sections of the Waqf Board and state machinery. This isn’t a localised issue—it’s a pan-Maharashtra crime racket operating under the guise of community service.”

Khan demanded urgent measures including:

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a senior IPS officer Z+ category or equivalent armed protection for Mulla Issuance of a personal firearm license under Section 13 of the Arms Act, 1959

Legal Community Raises Alarm Over Waqf Land Crimes

Senior lawyers and former judges have echoed the need for robust institutional intervention. “Waqf-related land fraud has turned into a form of organised economic crime. What’s being looted are properties meant for the welfare of orphans, widows, and religious education,” said a retired Bombay High Court judge who has presided over waqf-related cases.

According to Mulla’s estimates, over ₹20,000 crore worth of waqf assets in Maharashtra have either been sold, encroached upon, or mortgaged through fraudulent means—with the alleged involvement of board members, advocates, and land registration officials.

Mulla’s Legal Campaign and Public Work

Based in Pune, Saleem Mulla has led the Waqf Liberation and Protection Task Force since 2017.

His contributions include:

Filing PILs against unauthorised waqf land sales Advocating for CBI and ED probes in multiple land scam cases in Pune, Aurangabad, and Mumbai Launching India’s first Waqf Liaison Centre to spread legal literacy Running free legal clinics and community kitchens in Pune’s Kondhwa area

Despite multiple threats in the past, Mulla has continued his advocacy, often working pro bono for affected families and community organisations.

FIR Filed, MCOCA Invoked

Following the attack, Mulla has lodged an FIR under IPC Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 147 (rioting), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

His legal team is reportedly preparing to move the Bombay High Court with a plea for:

A court-monitored investigation Deployment of central paramilitary protection Suo motu contempt action against officials who fail to protect whistleblowers

Civil Society Mobilises for Justice

The incident has triggered statewide outrage. Civil society groups, legal associations, and youth organisations have announced protests and online campaigns demanding justice for Mulla.

“We will not remain silent while courageous citizens are targeted for exposing corruption,” said a spokesperson from the National Forum for Waqf Accountability.

As outrage grows, the spotlight is once again on the opaque functioning of Waqf Boards in India and the urgent need for institutional reforms, transparency, and whistleblower protection.