Dehradun/Mussoorie: The sudden appearance of a tomb in Mussoorie claiming to belong to Sufi poet Baba Bulleh Shah has raised eyebrows. Historians point
out that Bulleh Shah, known for his mystical Punjabi poetry, was buried in Kasur, Pakistan, where his only recognized shrine exists. His admirers from across the world visit Kasur to pay respects.
In Mussoorie, however, a structure has been built in his name without any historical or religious basis. Officials call it an illegal tomb or “franchise shrine”, as no saint or fakir is buried there. The Dehradun district administration has begun investigating how and why such shrines were constructed. District Magistrate Savin Bansal confirmed that inquiries are underway.
These shrines are misleading people in the name of faith
Local groups, including Bajrang Dal, allege that these shrines are misleading people in the name of faith. They argue that such practices cannot be allowed in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, which is regarded as sacred in Sanatan tradition.
Encroachment and Waqf properties
The Bulleh Shah tomb controversy has opened a larger debate about Waqf properties in Uttarakhand. Reports suggest that more than 200 shrines have been registered with the Waqf Board, many allegedly built on encroached government land. Critics claim that land was first occupied illegally and then declared Waqf property to strengthen ownership.
Waqf claimed properties doubled to 5,388
During the formation of Uttarakhand state, around 2,000 Waqf properties were transferred from Uttar Pradesh records. Today, that number has more than doubled to 5,388 properties, including mosques, madrasas, graveyards, Eidgahs, shops, and agricultural land. Out of these, 203 shrines and dargahs are registered, with many suspected of being built on occupied land.
Surveys have revealed that Uttarakhand once had over 1,000 shrines, most of them built without authorization. The Dhami government has already demolished 572 illegal shrines in the past two years, finding no human remains under many of them. Officials say more than 300 illegal shrines still exist and will be removed.
Duplicate shrines and misuse
An unusual trend has emerged: multiple shrines bearing the same name. For example, several shrines named after Syed, Bhure Shah, and Kalu Syed exist across districts. Critics call these “franchise shrines,” built to occupy land and run businesses selling amulets or exorcism services.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has strongly condemned the practice. He said, “If a saint or fakir lived, he would be buried in one place, not ten. This game will not work in Devbhoomi. Our government is committed to maintaining the divine form of this land.”
Government action
The administration has ordered a legal investigation into how encroachments were made and on what basis properties became Waqf land. Officials are also preparing lists of Waqf properties allegedly occupied by influential individuals and land mafias.
Experts emphasize that genuine Waqf properties are meant for public welfare, donated voluntarily by individuals. But misuse of government land under the guise of shrines has created tension. The Dhami government insists that only legitimate properties will remain, while illegal encroachments will be removed.
