“False Claim of Waqf Exposed in Pune, Maharashtra; Row Escalates in Karnataka’s Gokak”, Hindu Existence Organisation, April 01, 2026
“In a significant administrative development in Manchar, a historic stepwell—locally known as a ‘Barav’ and widely believed by residents to trace its origins back to the Pandava era, before being reconstructed in the 12th century—has been officially removed from the records of the Waqf Board following sustained protests and representations by local citizens and Hindutva activists.
The Revenue Department annulled what was described as an “illegal entry” that had earlier brought the stepwell and its surrounding land under Waqf classification. The structure, located in Ambegaon taluka near Nighotwadi Gram Panchayat, is regarded by locals as an important symbol of the region’s ancient cultural and historical legacy.
Administrative Action After Mounting Pressure
The issue had gained momentum after claims emerged that nearly four acres of land around the stepwell had been encroached upon, with the Waqf Board’s name appearing in official land records. Local residents and community leaders consistently demanded that the classification be reviewed and the land restored to government ownership……”
Read full article at hinduexistence.org
