Bengaluru: Amid rising tensions over Waqf land registration, a mob attacked the homes of Muslim community leaders in Kadakola village, Savanur taluk, Haveri district, Karnataka. The unrest was fueled by fears that residents could be evicted as part of the Waqf property registration process.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the situation escalated following statements from Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan on September 3, mandating that Waqf properties in Kadakola be registered under the Waqf account. This policy was reaffirmed by ZP CEO Akshay Sridhar on September 27, intensifying local concerns.

During the confrontation, the residence of Muslim leader Rafi was particularly targeted, resulting in property damage, including a parked bike that was hit by stones. Misinformation and rumors suggested that residential properties would be compulsorily transferred to the Waqf account, sparking fears of eviction among the villagers and leading to violence against community leaders.

Local authorities, including Haveri Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mahantesh and Superintendent of Police Amshukumar, intervened, visiting the area to restore order and address the community’s concerns. Mahantesh clarified that the dispute centered around the misunderstanding of a Garadi Mane property’s status, exacerbated by misleading reports about the potential takeover by Waqf.

Superintendent Amshukumar reported that in response to the attacks, complaints had been lodged by affected parties, and fifteen individuals had been detained for their involvement in the unrest. The local administration affirmed that no individual eviction notices had been issued but acknowledged that a general communication had been circulated based on an earlier listing of properties, aiming to quell the unrest.