Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Apr 13: Chief executive officer of Karnataka Wakf Board, Mirza Akbarulla, visited Jumma Masjid in Katipalla that falls under the jurisdiction of Panambur Muslim Jamaath, to investigate complaints of irregularities said to have been committed there, on Tuesday April 12. After the team led by Akbarulla returned, two groups came to blows.

During the investigation, Akbarulla asked public works department (PWD) to check the quality and other aspects of construction work conducted by the mosque. The team also asked the governing council of the mosque to produce sketch, project cost estimate, and technical blue print of the building to K S Prabhakar, official of PWD, for verification.

Speaking later, Mirza Akbarulla said that steps will be taken to conduct election for the Jamaath at the earliest. In the meantime, another team led by P A Moidin, requested the team to conclude its investigation at the earliest. The team comprised of District Wakf Advisory Committee president, H F Usman Haji, administrative officer, Husainabba, member, B H M Rafique, and others.

After the team returned, two rival teams fought with each other. Personnel of Suratkal police station handled the situation from going out of control. Abubakker, member of the previous governing council of the mosque, and immediate past priest, Shariff Bakavi, suffered injuries in the assault. They were admitted into a hospital in the city. A case was registered against a gang for having attacked a team that was leading the investigating team to a school run by the Jamaath, with lethal weapons. A case was registered against Siraj, Jabbar, and Hussain Bawa Ibrahim for allegedly assaulting Shariff Bakavi.

The team later visited Chokkabettu mosque to investigate allegations of irregularities there in constructing MGM Building and the mosque.