ED Raids Builder Salim Pathan in Rs.100 Cr Waqf Land Scam

Ahmedabad, Gujarat  – In a major crackdown on encroachment and financial fraud involving religious trust property, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted raids at 10 locations linked to criminal-turned-builder Salim Jummakhan Pathan, including his residence, commercial offices, and a farmhouse in Kheda. The raids were connected to large-scale illegal construction and rent collection from Waqf Board land, allegedly encroached upon by the accused using forged documents and false identities.

The raids targeted the Jamalpur Glass Mosque Trust, where Pathan, operating under the banner of Saudagar Builders, is accused of having unlawfully occupied land leased by the Gujarat Waqf Board to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). According to ED sources, the value of the land and illegal constructions is estimated at over ₹100 crore.

“This isn’t just a case of illegal construction—it’s organized criminal exploitation of trust land meant for public welfare and education,” said a senior ED official on condition of anonymity.

Widespread Fraud: Rent, Shops, Flats and False Trusteeship

Investigations reveal that Pathan and four associates—Mohammad Yasar Sheikh, Mehmood Khan Pathan, Fez Mohammad Jobdar, and Shahid Ahmed Sheikh—illegally constructed over 200 houses, 25–30 shops, and two six-storey buildings on trust land without any legal ownership or trusteeship.

They were reportedly charging ₹7,000–₹8,000 per house monthly from at least 100 families. Additionally, nine shops constructed on land where an AMC-run Urdu school was meant to be rebuilt post-2001 earthquake were also rented out for personal profit. Salim Khan ran his construction office from one of these illegally built shops.

“All this while, rent was collected in cash and never deposited in either the Waqf Trust or AMC accounts. This is a clear case of systemic fraud,” said an official from the ED team involved in the raid.

The accused also reportedly pocketed ₹50,000 per month from the donation box of Shah Bada Qasim Trust, further misusing funds meant for religious and community development.

Forged Affidavits & Fake Trusteeship

The accused falsely claimed trusteeship of the Glass Mosque Trust through an affidavit submitted to the Gujarat Waqf Board in July 2024, attempting to legitimise their actions. The forgery is now central to the ED’s investigation, which is being carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Notably, Salim Pathan has prior criminal records, including cases of murder, rioting, and extortion, raising serious concerns about how he managed to operate such a scam without scrutiny for so long.

“We had lodged a complaint at Gaikwad Haveli police station months ago, but the scam continued unchecked. The community has been living under illegal occupation,” said Mohammad Rafiq Ansari, a long-time resident near the Glass Mosque who blew the whistle.

AMC and Police Response

The Ahmedabad Police were asked to provide security during the raid operations. ACP Vani Dudhat of the E Division confirmed the police’s role, stating:“The ED requested local police assistance for the searches in the Jamalpur area. Raids were conducted peacefully, and the accused will be interrogated further.”

Political and Religious Fallout

This case has caused outrage within the local Muslim community, especially as the accused exploited Waqf land, which is meant for the upliftment of the poor, including schools and mosques. Community leaders have called for a complete audit of all Waqf properties in Ahmedabad.

Criminal Case Filed

Based on the ED’s findings and previous complaints, a case has been registered at Gaikwad Haveli Police Station against the five accused under sections related to fraud, forgery, cheating, encroachment, and criminal conspiracy.

The ED is expected to summon the accused for detailed questioning and may soon attach properties illegally acquired through rent and donations. Authorities are also probing possible political links and municipal lapses that may have allowed the scam to flourish.