HYDERABAD — A historic mosque in this Telangana city has become the centre of a heated controversy involving allegations of illegal land grabs and communal tensions.
Located in Sultanpur, the Jama Masjid Husainia also houses a renowned educational institution, Madrasa Darul Uloom Nomaniya, which local BJP leaders have labelled “illegal” and demanded its closure.
According to Maulana Akbar, who runs the madrasa, the allegations are baseless and politically motivated. “We took the land on lease from Syed Sabbar Husaini for running the madrasa,” he explained. “Now, Mohammad Rafiq, along with BJP leader Ramakrishna Reddy, is trying to pressurise us and lay claim to 200 square yards of the mosque’s 1,000-square-yard land.”
The dispute reportedly escalated on 16 April when some children from the Hindu community in the area vandalised a religious stone known as the ‘Bodarai’. Police intervention was required to restore peace. Following this, BJP-affiliated protesters intensified their campaign against the madrasa, alleging that Rohingya Muslims were residing in the institution.
Maulana Akbar strongly rejected the claims. “All our students are from Telangana’s rural and urban areas,” he said. “There is no presence of Rohingya refugees here. This is an attempt to take over the mosque property under flimsy grounds .”
Locals expressed concern over the growing communal tension. “This is a historic mosque serving our community for generations. Targeting it under false claims is deeply troubling,” said Mohammad Imran, owner of a nearby shop.
BJP leaders, however, insist that the madrasa’s operations are illegal and are demanding its closure. Ramakrishna Reddy stated, “We have received complaints about the madrasa harbouring Rohingya Muslims and operating without proper approvals. Action is necessary to uphold the law.”
Legal experts and community activists have called for impartial investigation, urging authorities to ensure that religious property and institutions serving the local population are protected from political exploitation.
“This controversy highlights a wider issue of minority property rights in India,” said prominent human rights activist Faiz Ahmed. “We must ensure historic mosques and madrasas are safeguarded from political greed and communal pressure.”
The Telangana Police have yet to comment on the latest developments. Meanwhile, the community hopes for a peaceful resolution and the protection of their religious and educational institutions.
The dispute at Hyderabad’s Jama Masjid Husainia underscores the delicate balance between community interests and political agendas. While BJP leaders allege illegal activity, local Islamic authorities insist that the claims are fabricated to facilitate unlawful land acquisition.
