Bhopal Riyaz Manzil ‘Enemy Property’ Status Questioned As Revenue Records Name Sajida Sultan

In a recent hearing in Bhopal, concerns have emerged regarding the alleged enemy property status of Riyaz Manzil in Khanugaon. The property is said to have belonged to Aftab Jahan Begum, the second wife of Nawab Hamidullah Khan. Occupants of the property have raised objections to its original ownership and the authenticity of a certificate dated April 29, 2024. The next hearing is set for October 6.

Advocate Jagdish Chhawani, deputy convener of Ghar Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, questioned the legitimacy of the claim. He highlighted that government revenue records do not show the land as registered in Aftab Jahan Begum's name, but rather linked to Nawab Hamidullah Khan and his successor, Nawab Begum Sajida Sultan. According to a 2020 inquiry, the Tehsildar of Sant Hirdaram Nagar ruled that the claim for mutation based on an alleged Hiba (gift) in favor of Aftab Jahan was not substantiated.

The certificate dated April 29, 2024, is believed to be based on a photocopy submitted by the complainant. The counsel for the affected parties, Khalid Hafeez, has requested the original or certified file from the Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI), Mumbai. This includes all relevant documents such as note-sheets, certification, approval orders, property verification reports, and correspondence between the Centre, State, and Collector.