Complaint Prompts Official Inquiry
Allegations of financial mismanagement and misuse of properties linked to waqf no. 19 of the Dargah Syed Salar Masood Ghazi in Bahraich have triggered an official probe. A complaint seeking investigation was submitted to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, prompting minister in-charge for Bahraich, Dinesh Pratap Singh, to direct District Magistrate Achay Tripathi to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report.
Allegations Span Two Decades
The complaint was filed by BJP minority morcha state president Kunwar Basit Ali, who alleged large-scale irregularities in the management of the dargah’s finances and assets over the past 20 years. According to the complaint, income from offerings, rental receipts from shops, contracts, and other waqf properties was not managed transparently. Ali called for a thorough examination of the functioning of both former and current office-bearers.
Key Figures Under Scrutiny
The complaint seeks scrutiny of the role of current chairman Bakaullah, former chairman late Shamshad Ahmad, committee member and former minister Yasar Shah, and other individuals associated with the shrine’s management. It also demands verification of the utilisation and transfer of waqf properties, allotment of shops, award of contracts, and accounting of gold, silver, and other valuables offered by devotees over the years.
Demand for Special Audit
Among the key demands is a special audit of the dargah’s income and expenditure for the past 20 years. The complainant also seeks an inquiry into alleged irregularities in contracts awarded during 2024-25 and a review of a 2005 dacoity case linked to the shrine. The plea urges authorities to determine whether proper records were maintained and whether assets and revenues were managed in accordance with legal provisions.
Next Steps
Following the minister’s directive, district authorities are expected to examine the allegations relating to finances, property management, contracts, and valuable offerings. Officials stated that the veracity of the claims will be established only after the inquiry is completed and its findings reviewed.
