Waqf Case: Congress leaders offered bribes to close case, claims Manippady

Mangaluru: Former Chairman of Karnataka State Minorities Commission, Anwar Manippady, has alleged that attempts were made to bribe him with crores of rupees to close the Waqf property misuse case. He claimed that most of those who approached him with such offers were Congress leaders.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Manippady refuted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s allegations that B.Y. Vijayendra offered Rs 150 crore to remain silent on Waqf property encroachments. He clarified that Vijayendra had not made any such offers.

Manippady explained that Vijayendra was not in the picture when he was preparing the report on Waqf property encroachments in 2013. He mentioned meeting Vijayendra only in 2019, during B.S. Yediyurappa’s tenure as Chief Minister, when Vijayendra was serving as the BJP Vice President. During that meeting, Manippady requested an investigation, but Vijayendra made no monetary offers.

Manippady further emphasized the need for amendments to the Waqf Act to prevent property encroachments, a recommendation he included in his report. He expressed his willingness to support any amendments by the Central Government that do not harm minorities. He also called for a CBI investigation, as suggested by CM Siddaramaiah, stating that it would reveal the truth.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister Dr. Parameshwara remarked, “Manippady’s initial statements are on record, but his current remarks seem contradictory. The Rs 150 crore bribe allegation might be discussed in the Assembly.”