Sons of Khuzaima Qutbuddin, the challenger to the title of spiritual head of the million-strong Dawoodi Bohras, are likely to move into Saifee Mahal – the home to the Syedna. Currently, Khuzaima's nephew Mufaddal Saifuddin, who had been declared as the 53 Dai ul Mutlaq by his late father, lives in the Malabar Hill property.
The Qutbuddins used to live there but had left the premises citing security reasons, shortly before Khuzaima declared himself to be the rightful successor and challenged his nephew's succession as the community head.
As per media reports, one of the sons had recently visited the Saifee Mahal amid police protection. The Qutbuddins hold a flat in Al Azhar building, one of the two buildings in the expansive compound of Saifee Mahal.
"We are currently living in Thane. We want to move there because it is the place where we have grown up and lived all our lives. As of now, we are making the place liveable because there was some damage done. Once it is done, we will take stock of the situation and decide again," said Aziz Qutbuddin, one of the sons.
Recently Aziz along with his brothers were roughed up by when the went to pay their obeisance at the Raudat Tahera – the mausoleum where graves of the late 52 Dai ul Mutlaq, Mohammed Burhanuddin and their grand father (also the 51st Dai of the community) exist. They had been there during the month of Ramzan. The Qutbuddins complained that they were roughed up despite police being present at the place.
Khuzaima has moved the Bombay High Court, seeking to restrain the incumbent from using the property of the community in any ways. The court has asked both parties to list their claims. The next hearing is scheduled for September 9.
Additional Commissioner of Police Krushna Prakash said, "If someone asks for protection and is needed it can be given. So far as we know as per their (Mufaddal group) submission is that inmates (followers) are always welcome at Raudat Tahera. They are never obstructed. We do not feel they are in need of any protection. They should not worry about that. If they feel like they require protection, they can go to police station."
Public relations officer of the Dawoodi Bohra community did not answer his calls.
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