Mumbai's Khilafat House to Transform into 120-Bed Hospital Amid Concerns Over Historic Grave

A 120-bed multi-speciality hospital is set to be built at Khilafat House in Mumbai's Byculla area, but the redevelopment has raised concerns within the Muslim community about the historic site and a grave inside the compound. The All India Khilafat Committee, which owns the property, denies plans to remove the grave but says it is seeking religious guidance on how to handle it during construction.

The Khilafat Movement, active between 1919 and 1924, was a significant political mobilisation by Indian Muslims to protect the Ottoman Caliphate. Mahatma Gandhi supported the movement and linked it to India's independence struggle. Khilafat House served as its headquarters.

Journalist Saeed Hameed and other community members have questioned whether the redevelopment honours the founders' intentions. Committee chairperson Sarfaraz Arzu said options include relocating the grave or reinterring remains deeper and building over the site. The committee is seeking fatwas from religious scholars on the appropriate course of action.