Karnataka Waqf Board Scandal: Allegations of ₹3.17 Crore Fraud in Ambulance, Freezer Purchases Spark Outcry
Bengaluru: Shocking allegations of rampant corruption and brazen misuse of public funds have rocked the Karnataka State Waqf Board, with accusations that senior officials inflated procurement costs for ambulances and dead body freezers, causing a staggering loss of ₹3.17 crore to the exchequer. Former political secretary to late Prime Minister V.P. Singh, Syed Ashraf, has demanded immediate intervention from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging a high-level probe into what appears to be a blatant scam.
Inflated Ambulance Deals: ₹2.09 Crore Excess Paid?
In a damning memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, Ashraf exposed glaring financial irregularities in the Waqf Board’s purchase of 26 ambulances from Force Motors through an intermediary, M/s Khiviraj Motors. While the manufacturer reportedly offers fully-equipped ambulances at a discounted bulk rate of ₹30.04 lakh per unit, the Board allegedly paid a staggering ₹38.06 lakh per vehicle—an excess of over ₹8 lakh per ambulance, totaling an unjustifiable ₹2.09 crore loss.
Ashraf questioned why the Board bypassed direct institutional sales and instead engaged an intermediary, further raising suspicions over an additional ₹12 lakh charged for “fabrication and fittings”—features already included in the manufacturer’s standard delivery.
“Why was an intermediary involved when Force Motors offers direct bulk purchases? Why was an extra ₹12 lakh per ambulance paid for fittings that were already part of the deal? This reeks of corruption,” Ashraf asserted.
Dead Body Freezers: Another ₹1.08 Crore Scam?
The scandal deepens with the procurement of 242 dead body freezers at ₹82,600 per unit—more than double the market price of ₹34,000–₹38,000. Ashraf alleges that the supplier, Xten, has no prior experience in medical equipment and primarily deals in construction and pipe manufacturing.
“How can a firm with no medical equipment background secure such a lucrative deal? This is daylight robbery of Waqf funds meant for public welfare,” Ashraf fumed. The overpayment of ₹44,600 per freezer amounts to an estimated ₹1.08 crore loss—raising serious questions about due diligence and possible kickbacks.
Anwar Basha’s Cowardice: Hiding Behind Political Patronage?
Ashraf revealed that he publicly challenged then-Chairman K. Anwar Basha to a face-to-face meeting at a mosque, backed by media scrutiny and documentary evidence. However, Basha allegedly refused to appear, choosing instead to “hide behind his political master and cry foul from the safety of closed doors.”
“If Anwar Basha is innocent, why is he afraid to answer questions? Why does he seek refuge under his minister’s shadow instead of facing public accountability?” Ashraf demanded.
Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan’s Deafening Silence
Adding fuel to the fire, Ashraf slammed Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan for his “hypocritical silence“ on the scandal. Despite publicly protesting against the controversial Waqf Act, Khan has remained conspicuously mute on these grave allegations.
“Why is Minister Khan, who claims to champion transparency, turning a blind eye to this brazen corruption? Does his loyalty lie with the people or with the corrupt officials under his watch?” Ashraf questioned.
Waqf Board’s Weak Defense: A Smokescreen?
In a feeble rebuttal, current Board member Anwar Basha denied wrongdoing, claiming the purchases followed the government’s e-procurement system. “We formed a committee and followed due process. If Ashraf has doubts, we welcome scrutiny,” he said.
However, Ashraf dismissed these claims as “a desperate attempt to whitewash corruption.” “If the Board is so confident, why not initiate an independent probe? Why resist accountability?” he countered.
Urgent Appeal to CM Siddaramaiah: Time for Action
With public trust eroding, Ashraf has called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to:
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Order a CID or senior IAS-led investigation into the scandal.
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Suspend all accused officials, including Anwar Basha and former Chairman N.K. Shafi Sadi, pending inquiry.
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Ensure Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan breaks his silence and takes responsibility.
“The CM must act now. Every day of delay is a betrayal of the people’s trust and an insult to the principles of transparency,” Ashraf declared.
Conclusion: A Test of Governance
This scandal is not just about financial fraud—it’s a litmus test for Karnataka’s commitment to rooting out corruption. Will the Chief Minister uphold justice, or will political expediency shield the guilty? The people demand answers.
Key Quotes:
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Syed Ashraf’s Accusations:
“This is not just financial mismanagement—it is an outright scam. The Waqf Board has betrayed public trust, and the CM must act now.”“Anwar Basha hides behind his political bosses like a coward. If he’s innocent, why won’t he face me and the media?”
“Minister Zameer Khan protests against the Waqf Act but stays silent on corruption in his own department. What is he afraid of?” -
Anwar Basha’s Defense:
“All procedures were followed. We welcome any scrutiny.” (Sounds evasive—contrast with Ashraf’s hard-hitting accusations.)
10 Hard Hitting Questions by Ashraf to Waqf Board CEO & Minister for Waqf Zameer Khan:
1. On the Ambulance Scam (₹2.09 Cr Excess)
“Why did the Board pay ₹38.06 lakh per ambulance when Force Motors’ official bulk rate is ₹30.04 lakh? Who authorized this ₹8 lakh per vehicle theft?”
2. On Bypassing Direct Procurement
“Force Motors sells directly to institutions. Why did you route payments through middleman Khiviraj Motors, causing a ₹2.09 crore loss? What kickbacks changed hands?”
3. On Fabrication Cost Fraud
“You claimed ₹12 lakh extra per ambulance for ‘fabrication’—but Force Motors includes fittings standard. Where did this ₹3.12 crore (26 ambulances x ₹12L) vanish?”
4. On Freezer Scam (₹1.08 Cr Excess)
“Why pay ₹82,600 per freezer when market price is ₹38,000? Did you even check Xten’s credentials, or was this a sham deal from the start?”
5. On Supplier Xten’s Background
“Xten deals in pipes, not medical equipment. Who in the Board pushed this deal? Share their WhatsApp chats and meeting records!”
6. On Violating Tender Rules
“Why were no competitive bids called? Which officer violated Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act? Name and shame them!”
7. On Minister Zameer Khan’s Role
“Minister Khan protests the Waqf Act but ignores this ₹3.17Cr scam. Did he approve these deals? Or is he deliberately looking away?”
8. On Fake ‘Committee’ Approval
“You claim a committee approved this. Release its members’ names, minutes, and votes. Prove it wasn’t a rubber-stamp fraud!”
9. On Hiding from Public Scrutiny
“I invited you to a mosque to debate this with evidence. Why did you hide? If you’re honest, face me live on TV tomorrow!”
10. On Recovery of Stolen Funds
“When will you return the ₹3.17 crore to the Waqf fund? Or should we file an FIR for embezzlement?”
