MEERUT, April 13 -- The Astana-e-Alia Qadriya Naushahiya dargah in Janeta village of Sambhal district has come under the administrative lens after allegations surfaced over its land ownership, marking the first such Waqf-related dispute in the district since the Waqf Amendment Act, 2005, came into force.

A local resident filed a formal complaint with the district magistrate, alleging that the dargah stands on government land and that unlawful extortion of money takes place during its annual religious fair. The complaint specifically named Syed Shahid Miyan, the mutawalli (caretaker), accusing him of illegally occupying public land and falsely claiming authority under the Waqf Board.

Acting on the complaint, revenue collector Dhirendra P...