Parliament Street mosque under govt scanner

The Parliament Street mosque frequented by Vice President Hamid Ansari and Muslim Member of the Parliament, is now under Delhi government’s radar, for alleged mismanagement of funds, inflammatory speeches and misuse of mosque premises.

Sources said that while investigation in the matter has been ordered based on a complaint of a mosque member, the SDM has sought the inquiry report in the matter.

Meanwhile, the mosque management has refuted the allegations claiming that they’ve been falsely levied by certain anti-social elements to grab the mosque land. “The mosque is being eyed by certain anti-social elements to carry out possible misdeeds at the Parliament. We have in the past complained to the Government of India about the same and will once again bring the matter to the Home Ministry’s attention as it concerns the national security,” said Abid Umar Khan, Legal Advisor, Parliament Street Masjid.

Khan added that while the order by the SDM is in violation as it doesn’t have a jurisdiction over the mosque, the mosque administration is planning to file a contempt petition in the High Court next week in this regard.

Meanwhile, the authorities confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered in the financial misconduct of the mosque and also illegal construction. “While an inquiry into the affairs of the Jama Masjid, Parliament Streets and its management has been ordered by the Divisional Commissioner, but no documents have been submitted so far. Now the authorities have been directed to furnish the mentioned documents, including financial accounts of last three years along with the current year, utility bills of last six months, last three years bank statements, property papers, minutes of the management meetings, etc., within three days of the order.”

Former Waqf board Chief Amanatulah Khan said the complaint had come to his notice as well, but it was after he had resigned from the post. “The complaint was regarding illegal construction at the Mosque without proper authorisation of the Waqf board. There were complaints of some alleged financial irregularities at the mosque,” he said.

ABID KHAN SAYS

“The mosque is being eyed by certain anti-social elements to carry out possible misdeeds in the Parliament. We have in the past complained to the Government of India about the same,” said Abid Umar Khan, Legal Advisor, Parliament Street Masjid.