“‘Systematic Loot of Waqf Assets’: Leaders Demand Urgent Probe by Karnataka Waqf Board into 50-Acre Ramnagar Land Scam”

Ramnagar Waqf Land Scam: Fraudulent Dealings, Fake Documents and Money Trail Exposed

Bengaluru-Ramanagar: A major controversy has erupted over the alleged illegal sale of nearly 50 acres of Waqf land in Ramanagar, with senior leaders and activists accusing a well-organised “Waqf Chor Gang” of executing a sophisticated land fraud using forged documents, coercion, and dubious financial transactions. The case, now under legal scrutiny, has triggered demands for a multi-agency probe into what is being described as a large-scale scam involving land grabbing and possible money laundering.

50 Acres of Waqf Land Targeted Through Forged Deals

According to details emerging ahead of Ramadan, approximately 50.9 acres of land in Bilgumbai village, Ramanagar—recorded under multiple survey numbers and registered as Waqf property attached to a Jamia Masjid—was allegedly targeted by a gang known for fabricating land documents.

Senior Congress leader Obaidulla Sharif termed the episode a “systematic loot of Waqf assets,” stating, “This is not an isolated incident but a coordinated attempt to grab religious endowment land through forged papers and manipulation of records.”

A controversial sale agreement was reportedly executed at the Sub-Registrar’s office in the name of Mohammed Naeem, involving the four sons of Rasool Khan. Despite large payments being shown on paper, it has been alleged that the sellers had no legal ownership, as the land belonged to the Waqf.

Coercion, Misrepresentation and FIRs Filed

The four brothers later approached authorities, claiming they were misled and pressured into signing documents without being allowed to read them. In a letter to the Superintendent of Police dated February 2026, they alleged that Naeem had initially approached them in 2025 under the pretext of a minor land-related formality.

“They were rushed into signing the agreement under false assurances, with even the Sub-Registrar cited as being in a hurry,” Sharif noted, adding that “this clearly points to pre-planned fraud.”

An FIR has since been registered over a forged No Objection Certificate (NOC), while multiple accused, including Naeem and Abdul Razak alias Shuaib, face legal proceedings. Razak has secured a High Court stay on a police notice, while Naeem’s bail plea remains pending before the High Court after rejection by a lower court.

Authorities have clarified that the land is currently not in anyone’s possession, with the Tehsildar appointed as receiver. Questions have also been raised over a fake NOC allegedly bearing forged official signatures.

Dubious Money Trail Points to Possible Laundering

Rights activist Syed Ashraf has further deepened the controversy by highlighting glaring financial irregularities linked to the transaction. He pointed out that the sale agreement falsely claimed payments of ₹1 crore each to the four brothers via cheques, which were never encashed.

“The agreement itself is riddled with lies. Neither the cheques were honoured nor the cash transactions legitimate,” Ashraf said. He added, “A ₹50 lakh cash payment mentioned in the deal is a clear violation of Income Tax laws, and we will be referring this to the authorities.”

Ashraf also flagged suspicious fund transfers routed through multiple accounts, including those of Azmatullah Khan, Amjadullah Khan, Asifullah Khan and Farooqullah Khan, with money allegedly being quickly diverted to accounts linked to individuals such as Mohammed Faisal and Syed Ameer Ahmed.

“The pattern of funds entering and exiting accounts within hours strongly indicates a money laundering operation,” he alleged, adding that he plans to approach the Enforcement Directorate for a comprehensive probe.

Call for Wider Probe and Accountability

Ashraf further claimed that the same network had previously been involved in similar frauds, including cases in Mysuru and other high-profile land scams. He also referred to recordings mentioning a mysterious figure named “Yajman,” believed to wield influence in protecting those involved.

Demanding urgent action, Ashraf said, “The current FIR is limited to the fake NOC. Separate cases must be filed for illegal sale and purchase of Waqf land.” He also questioned the role of certain individuals participating in Waqf discussions without official authorization.

Both Sharif and Ashraf have urged the Waqf Board and law enforcement agencies to act decisively, warning that failure to do so could embolden further encroachments on religious endowment properties.