Mandya: Tension gripped Hosabudanur village in Mandya district after residents protested against the alleged transfer of a six-decade-old Hindu cremation and burial ground to the Waqf Board. Villagers claimed the government-designated land, listed under Survey No. 313 and measuring 1 acre and 13 guntas, had been used by the Hindu community since 1963 but was reclassified as a Muslim burial site after 2017.
Protesters said the land’s conversion was unjust and questioned the rationale behind allocating it to a religious group that has no presence in the area. “This land has served our community for decades. How can it suddenly become a Muslim graveyard when there are no Muslim families in our village?” one villager asked during the protest.
According to reports, local authorities had earlier designated 24 guntas of the same land for continued Hindu use. However, villagers alleged that access to even this portion has now been blocked, leading to renewed anger. The Tahsildar has reportedly ordered a halt to all burial or construction activity on the site until further notice.
Residents accused the administration of yielding to political pressure and ignoring community concerns. They also criticized the Gram Panchayat and Revenue Department for taking decisions without public consultation. Protesters have threatened to intensify their agitation if the Waqf Board’s claim is not revoked and the land restored for its original purpose.
The district administration has yet to release an official statement. The situation remains tense, with security personnel monitoring the area to prevent escalation.
