Chikkamagalur waqf official suspended over illegal demolition on disputed land

CHIKKAMAGALUR: A district waqf official has been suspended over the illegal demolition of a house and a hotel on disputed land claimed by both the Nallur Math and the Bada Makan dargah at Hanumanthappa Circle here.

The waqf official, Syed Sattar Shah Hussaini, was placed under suspension for taking up the demolition unauthorisedly and disturbing communal peace. The suspension order was issued by the Karnataka Waqf Committee CEO Jilani H Mokashi.

The dispute over the land has been pending before a court for several years, but the mosque committee members got an excavator and suddenly carried out the demolition early in the morning on March 5, leading to outrage. Various Hindu groups had condemned the demolition and sought action against those responsible.

Police Superintendent Vikram Amate also held separate meetings with the Hindu and Muslim sides and based on a report by the district authorities, Hussain was placed under suspension.