New Delhi, April 14: A significant issue has emerged regarding the Rubat properties in Mecca and Medina, which are associated with Bhopal. Due to negligence in their management and oversight, the Saudi government has not made these properties available for pilgrims. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has adopted a firm stance, viewing this as a violation of the rights of Bhopal’s pilgrims.
The commission’s bench, led by its members, has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter. Notices have been issued to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, the Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department, and the Chairman of the MP Waqf Board. The NHRC has requested all concerned parties to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.
The complaint alleges serious misconduct against the mutawalli, Saba Ali Khan Pataudi, and his associate, Sikandar Hafeez. They are accused of gross negligence in managing these properties and engaging in financial irregularities. The complainant claims that the mutawalli failed to adequately represent the waqf to Saudi officials, leading to weakened control over the properties and depriving poor pilgrims of essential housing facilities.
Additionally, allegations of illegal fund transfers from the Medina Rubat, violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), lack of transparency in annual audits, and misuse of facilities for individuals have also been raised. The complainant has demanded a high-level independent investigation involving the Central Waqf Council and the Indian Embassy. There are calls for the immediate removal of mutawalli Saba Ali Khan, a forensic audit of foreign transactions, and diplomatic intervention to restore the rights of the pilgrims.
The NHRC has acknowledged that the allegations in the complaint prima facie indicate a violation of human rights. Based on this, an investigation has been ordered under Section 12 of the Human Rights Protection Act, 1993.
Furthermore, the state government has been directed to investigate whether these properties were acquired during the 1947 partition. If so, it must determine whether the current management lies with the state government and identify any irregularities that may have occurred.
The commission has instructed all relevant departments to prepare a detailed report and submit it within two weeks, with a copy to be sent to the commission via email.
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