Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Traders in Old Bhopal have written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, raising concern over the alleged illegal rent collection practices by Auqaf-e-Shahi. The traders accused the organisation of charging inflated rents and violating agreements on rent hikes, among other grievances.
According to traders, the standard practice for annual rent hike is 5%, but Auqaf-e-Shahi staff are reportedly increasing rents by 10%. They also raised the issue of shops near Jama Masjid and Chowk Bazaar, which are officially owned by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Despite court orders affirming BMC’s ownership, Auqaf-e-Shahi continues to claim rights over these properties and collect rent from shopkeepers. The traders also stated that many of the Jama Masjid shops are considered enemy property, yet they have been subjected to threats by Auqaf-e-Shahi officials for raising concern about the issue. In addition, the traders claimed that the organisation is complicit in promoting encroachment by kiosks and street vendors, further exacerbating the already congested roads of Old Bhopal.
Moreover, traders accused Auqaf-e-Shahi of forming a sub-committee, despite the Waqf Board's guidelines prohibiting it. This sub-committee, allegedly backed by local politicians, has reportedly been pressuring traders and making the situation worse. Advocate Jagdish Chhavani, deputy convener of the Ghar Bachao Samiti, supported traders' claims, stating that the oppressive practices of Auqaf-e-Shahi have led to widespread panic among Old Bhopal’s business community.
