Minister wants land gifted by Shivaji under Wakf Board

Minister for Minorities’ Development and Aukaf Properties Mohammed Arif (Naseem) Khan has asked the Wakf Board to conduct an inquiry into why 654 acres of land gifted by Chhatrapati Shivaji to Muslim cleric Yakub Babar Peer Sohravardi four centuries ago at Utambar near Kelshi village of Dapoli tehsil in Ratnagiri was not under its control.

He has asked officials to ensure such properties were under the direct control of the Wakf Board,which could use them for the welfare of the Muslim community. “Shivaji Maharaj gifting land to a Muslim cleric proves beyond doubt that he is an icon of national integrity,” Khan told The Indian Express. “But some parties misuse his name for political gain. I want this land to come under Wakf Board,to be used for welfare of Muslim community.”