**Title:** No Evictions in Vellore Village Amid Waqf Land Dispute
**Meta Description:** Tamil Nadu MLA assures Kattukollai residents of no evictions despite Waqf claims, but rent may be required if ownership is proven.
**URL Slug:** no-evictions-vellore-village-waqf-dispute
**Headline:** Tamil Nadu MLA Promises No Evictions in Vellore Village Amid Waqf Land Claims
In a recent development in Kattukollai village, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, Congress MLA Hasan Maulana has reassured residents that they will not face eviction despite eviction notices issued by a local dargah claiming the land as Waqf property. The notices, reportedly affecting around 150 families, assert that the land belongs to the Waqf Board, and if the claim is validated with proper documentation, villagers may be required to pay a nominal rent.
Maulana emphasized, “Once a Waqf, always a Waqf,” highlighting the complexities surrounding land ownership in the region. The eviction notices were issued by F Syed Satham, who alleges that the land in question has been under the Waqf Board’s jurisdiction since 1954. The notices specifically accuse residents, including a man named Balaji, of encroaching on Waqf land, which is documented under survey number 362. Balaji has reportedly constructed a house and shop on this property, which the Waqf records indicate belongs to the mosque.
The notice further stipulates that residents must seek permission, pay ground rent, and adhere to Waqf regulations, or risk legal eviction. Syed Sadam, the current caretaker of the dargah and mosque, claims that his late father, who passed away in 2021, did not collect rent due to a lack of formal education and awareness. Now, Sadam intends to rectify this by enforcing rent collection from the residents.
Sadam has indicated that if residents do not respond to the notices, he will escalate the matter to the High Court. However, the villagers, who have lived on the land for four generations, express their frustration over the sudden demand for rent, noting that Sadam’s father never sought such payments.
The situation has garnered significant attention, prompting concerned villagers to gather at the District Collector’s office, fearing eviction. Praveen Kumar, Divisional Secretary of the Hindu Munnani, stated that all affected families possess government-issued documents and have been paying panchayat taxes. He urged the Collector to grant official land titles (patta) to the villagers, who are anxious about the potential loss of their homes and livelihoods.
According to the residents, the Vellore District Collector has informally advised them not to pay rent for the time being. This incident marks the second instance in Tamil Nadu where Waqf claims have been made on village land, following a similar situation in Tiruchendurai.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What should residents do if they receive a Waqf eviction notice?**
A: Residents are advised to seek legal counsel and gather documentation proving their ownership or long-term residence on the land. They may also consider reaching out to local authorities for guidance on their rights and options.
