Greater Noida: The historic Kasna Qabristan in Greater Noida, including the revered Maqbara of Ikram Khan, has fallen victim to widespread illegal encroachment, raising serious concerns over the protection of Waqf properties. Ikram Khan, a key figure during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and known for his significant role in the construction of Delhi’s Red Fort, lies buried here. His tomb has reportedly been overtaken by local land mafias with alleged support from sections of Waqf Committee No. 1606, reported the Waqf Today.
According to local sources and activists, more than 100 illegal shops have been established on the maqbara and graveyard premises near Khasra No. 105. The Greater Noida Authority is also accused of occupying nearly 20 bighas of the land, which has now been converted into a public park over the past two decades.
Shockingly, a structure that was once part of the graveyard has now been transformed into a temple named Sati Nihal Devi Mandir. Despite most of the land parcels in the region being officially registered under the Waqf Board, internal disputes between Waqf Committees—particularly between Committee No. 1605 and Committee No. 1606—have paralyzed any action against the land grabbing.
In a recent development, a man named Shakeel allegedly broke open a locked section of the graveyard and began residing there. However, local villagers defended him, stating that the Greater Noida Authority had demolished his previous hut, and they allowed him temporary shelter.
A team from the Waqf Welfare Forum, including District President Nizam Khan and Delhi Secretary Abdul Ghaffar, conducted an on-site inspection and engaged with villagers to assess the deteriorating situation. The forum clarified that it had no links to Shakeel’s encroachment and reaffirmed its firm opposition to any form of illegal occupation on Waqf lands.
The Forum is also spearheading several restoration projects. Notably, in Bilaspur town, the boundary wall of another graveyard has been successfully completed at a cost of ₹3.56 lakhs. Forum President Yamin Khan has also compiled a comprehensive list of Waqf properties across Gautam Buddh Nagar, which is being prepared for uploading on the “Umeed” software platform for digital monitoring and management.
A review meeting was recently held, attended by several stakeholders including Mufti Abdul Ghaffar, Shoaib Imam, Kashif, representatives of Kasna Shahi Masjid, Nisar, Yusuf, Salman, and Adab.
The Waqf Welfare Forum reiterated its commitment to defending Waqf properties nationwide and is calling for immediate action against all illegal encroachments on graveyards and religious endowments.
