Badami activists demand probe into graveyard land changing hands

BAGALKOT: A Hindu graveyard in Badami, now represented by Opposition leader Siddaramaiah, almost became a Wakf property, but was saved, thanks to some local activists. The matter now awaits the governor’s assent to be handed back to the community.

Those who took up the case, including the graveyard development committee, the Badami Development Struggle Committee and the Sri Ram Sene have alleged land jihad and have demanded a thorough investigation into the whole episode.

The land grab came to light in 2018-19. Several memorandums were given to the authorities and protests held too, but to no avail. When nothing worked, the local activists sought legal recourse. After four years, the land was restored, but awaits the governor’s nod.

The land parcel was a Hindu graveyard from 1929-30 till 2017-18. But how it was almost transferred to the Wakf Board remains a mystery. Hence, locals have demanded a detailed probe to establish whether there was any laxity on the part of officials or collusion, political pressure or other factors.