Shahzad Ali, who came into the news after the attack on the police station in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, is on the run to escape the police. After his mansion worth crores was razed to the ground, the police is searching for him. A look-out circular has also been issued against Shahzad Ali to prevent him from fleeing the country. Shahzad Ali is a very influential person not only financially but also socially. He even used to set up his own ‘court’ in his ‘khanqah’. He used to give verdicts by acting as police and judge himself.
what is khanqah
Khanqah is associated with the Sufi tradition. It means an institution like a monastery or ashram where Sufi saints used to live and discuss religious-social issues. Khanqahs are also known for discussions on religion and education. On many occasions, courts were also set up here and mutual disputes were resolved. However, gradually this practice ended.
Khanqah of Haji Shahzad Ali
Haji Shahzad Ali, the main accused in the stone pelting case, had built a khanqah at a short distance from his house. He used to hold his court there. Apart from many petty cases, many serious criminal cases were also settled in this khanqah. It is said that if Haji Shahzad Ali pronounced a verdict, then no party could go to the police or knock at the doors of the court. Haji Shahzad Ali’s verdict was final.
also a source of income
It is alleged that Shahzad Ali had made this a source of his income. He would often give verdicts in favour of someone by taking money. Many people who knew Haji Shahzad Ali closely say in hushed tones that he used to earn a lot from the Khanqah.