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Hyderabad, February 13 (PMI): What began as a seemingly isolated incident at the historic Alawa Sartouq Mubarak has now snowballed into a larger controversy involving allegations of double standards, attempted takeover, and possible encroachment.
The trigger was a video showing women climbing onto the platform of the Alam-e-Mubarak to cut flowers tied to a ceremonial sehra. The footage, aired by a local television channel, quickly went viral, sparking outrage in certain quarters of the Shia community. The act was labelled by some as “disrespect” toward the sacred symbol.
However, as the controversy intensified, counter-allegations began to surface.
Selective Outrage?
Several community members have questioned whether the anger is selective. They point out that devotees frequently climb the same platform to place flowers—an act rarely objected to. Why then, they ask, has the cutting of flowers been elevated into a matter of sacrilege?
Adding fuel to the debate are claims that a separate video exists, allegedly showing Mujtaba Moosavi, a noha khwan associated with a Shia organisation and head of a self-styled centre, climbing the platform himself. Critics argue that if climbing the platform constitutes disrespect, the standard must apply uniformly.
These developments have led some to suspect that the issue may extend beyond religious sensitivity.
Allegations of a Planned Move
Serious allegations have now emerged suggesting that the controversy may have been orchestrated as part of a calculated attempt to displace the hereditary mujavir (caretaker) of the Alawa.
According to sources familiar with the matter, police at Mir Chowk were allegedly not fully briefed on the background of the dispute. It is claimed that individuals believed to be aligned with prospective encroachers pressured the mujavir’s son—reportedly in the presence of police personnel—to hand over the keys of the Alawa gate.
More alarmingly, reports suggest that the existing locks were later cut using a grinding machine and replaced with new ones. If verified, such actions could raise serious legal and administrative questions.
Mujavir’s Family Responds
The mujavir’s son has categorically denied allegations that he refused to open the gate late at night for a funeral, calling the claims “baseless.” He maintains that the family has consistently cooperated whenever prior information is provided.
He further alleges that certain elements are attempting to illegally assume control of the Alawa. Tracing his family’s service back to the Qutb Shahi era, he contends that the current narrative is being shaped to undermine their longstanding custodianship.
Larger Questions Over Property and Transparency
Beyond the immediate dispute, the episode has reopened broader questions about properties attached to the Alawa Sartouq. Non-partisan members of the Shia community are now demanding clarity on who is legally authorised to manage these properties and collect rent.
How much rent is being collected?
Where is it being utilised?
Under whose authority is it being administered?
These questions, community members argue, require transparent answers.
Waqf Committee Steps In
Sources indicate that the HEH Nizam Waqf Committee has taken cognisance of the matter. A complaint regarding the January 29 incident has reportedly been filed at Mir Chowk Police Station. The committee is said to suspect a deliberate attempt to encroach upon the Alawa premises.
There are also claims—yet to be officially substantiated—that certain individuals allegedly involved in the controversy have prior criminal records. Authorities are expected to examine these aspects as part of any formal inquiry.
As the dispute unfolds, what remains clear is that the issue now transcends a single viral video. At stake are questions of religious propriety, custodianship, property management, and possible encroachment.
Whether this controversy represents genuine outrage or a deeper power struggle may ultimately depend on the outcome of official investigations. (pressmediaofindia.com)
