2 weeks Ago By Chamaraj S
BIDAR: Karnataka's waqf board has claimed ownership of historic Bidar fort, a protected monument in custody of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for over 70 years, and two villages in Bidar taluk, a development that has taken ASI officers, deputy commissioner and local elected representatives by shock and surprise. The fort, built in 1427 by Bahamani Sultanate, was classified as belonging to waqf board in 2005. ASI has been in charge of the monument's upkeep since and even now is.
Once described as Asia's largest fort, it was declared a protected monument in Gazette of India on Nov 29, 1951. However, a notification by state waqf board issued on Aug 17, 2005 claimed the fort area was waqf property. The areas claimed include Solah Kambh, or 16-pillar monument, 14 of the 15 domes in Ashtur, and multiple tombs, including that of Amir Barid in Barid Shahi Park.
With waqf controversy refusing to die down, citizens and institutions started applying for land record details to ascertain whether their property is safe or not. That's when they discovered that some structures suddenly carried waqf ownership. Though the CM has issued back-to-back clarifications and an order to nullify any takeover notices in the past fortnight, farmers and citizens are still a frazzled lot.
Anirudh Desai, assistant surveyor with archaeology department, said he has no knowledge of govt notification that classifies "this protected site" as waqf property since 2005. "The relevant department records are in head office in Hampi. We've not been informed about this," he said.
DC Shilpa Sharma, too, claimed she was unaware of Bidar Fort being designated as waqf board property and that she would obtain information from the department concerned. Shailendra Beldale, BJP MLA from Bidar South, asked how Bidar fort could be classified as waqf property. "This land is under ASI's jurisdiction.
If this issue is not addressed properly, other historical sites, too, may be claimed by the board," he said. Similarly, Dharmapur and Chatnalli villages of Bidar taluk are claimed by the board. Sources said 26 acre under Survey no.
87 of Dharmapur village has been marked. The waqf ownership, which was absent from land records until 2001, was incorporated after 2013. Additionally, the board's name was included in land records of houses, govt schools, temples and anganwadis coming under Survey no.
87 of Dharmapur..
