Pune (India): Authorities have been urged to launch a multi-agency probe after an alleged ₹1,662 crore fraud involving the illegal sale, tax evasion, and laundering of Waqf properties was uncovered in Pune.
The complaint, filed with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) by Saleem Mulla, President of the Maharashtra Waqf Liberation and Protection Task Force, and Advocate Zahid Shaikh, implicates senior Waqf Board officials, members, and a criminal network led by alleged mastermind Amin Noor Mohammed Shaikh.
Shaikh, along with his stepson Aseem Amin Shaikh and others, is accused of orchestrating one of Maharashtra’s largest land scams. According to the complaint, high-value Waqf properties were illegally sold using fake trusts, shell firms, and forged documentation. Several Waqf Board officials are alleged to have facilitated these transactions.
“This is the biggest scam of the century,” Mulla told BeyondHeadlines. “Anti-national elements are looting Waqf properties in broad daylight. We’ve submitted all evidence to the ED and demand arrests of all involved. The stolen money must be recovered and used to build institutions for the Muslim community.”
Mulla further alleged that Shaikh has links to underworld figure Chhota Rajan and was previously investigated by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for money laundering. According to Mulla, over ₹6 crore was diverted under the guise of constructing the Udanshah Wali Masjid, which remains unbuilt. Instead, Shaikh allegedly used the funds to purchase properties in Camp and Nana Peth.
“This isn’t just financial fraud—it’s a betrayal of community trust,” Mulla said, calling for swift action by the ED, CBI, and Income Tax Department.
Investigative agencies have yet to issue an official response.
Key findings of the preliminary investigation include:
– Creation of fake trusts using the names of economically disadvantaged individuals;
– Fraudulent sale of Waqf lands to private developers;
– Laundering of illicit proceeds through trust accounts and front companies;
– Systemic collusion by Waqf Board bureaucrats, with one board member allegedly installing relatives to influence internal decisions.
The scam allegedly spans several prominent religious and community sites, including Baner Masjid, Udan Shah Wali Dargah, Adam Shah Wali Dargah, and others.
Despite a 2016 Government Resolution classifying Inam properties as Waqf to prevent unauthorized sales, officials reportedly failed to enforce the directive, allowing large-scale misappropriation to continue.
