MUMBAI, MARCH 4: Noted Bohra reformist Asghar Ali Engineer demanded a CBI inquiry into the attack on him by alleged followers of Syedna Burhanuddin.Speaking at a seminar on `21st Century and Bohra Reform Movement' on Saturday, Engineer said the police have mismanaged the case under political pressure. ``The first information report on the incident has been tampered with to hide the true facts,'' he alleged calling for a fresh inquiry into the incident.For security reasons it should also be known how Syedna followers managed to gain entry into the Airport Control Towers, he asked adding that he has already written to the Chief Minister.The sparsely attended meet was organised to deliberate on the alleged dictatorial rule of the Syedna on Bohra community. Recounting his first meeting with the high-priest, Engineer said that he was taken for kadam-boshi (kissing the feet of the priest) by his father after he cleared his matriculation exams with distinction. ``On reaching Sydena's residence one is supposed to walk on knees with folded hands and prostate on reaching the priests room. Since I found this practice un-Islamic I walked into Sydena's room only to be caught by the neck by Syedna's guard who forced my head on the priest's feet,'' he said adding that he later that his father was forced to take me to Syedna for kadam-boshi as he risked losing his job if he didn't.Referring to the poor response to the reform movement from the community, Engineer said fear of ostracism has kept the Bohras from joining in. ``Though 60 per cent of the community supports us the punishments meted out to reformers by Syedna's supporters has prevented Bohras from openly supporting us,'' he said. The community has a card system, which decries red card holders as reformists (Shaitaans). ``Even the parents, relatives and kin of a red card holder are forced to severe relations,'' he revealed.``Anyone who has an account from or takes loans from Bombay Mercantile Bank, does not pay the seven compulsory taxes as prescribed by Syedna, who is seen communicating with a reformist, who fails to address himself as Abde Syedna (slave of Syedna) on invitation cards is issued a red card,'' the reformist said.The meet also focussed on other issues like Misaq (oath of allegiance administered to a boy/girl when he/she reaches puberty) and the need for accountability of funds collected regularly from the Bohras. ``The funds collected by way of taxes amounts to Rs 100 crore annually and these are used entirely by Syedna's family and not for the upliftment of the poor,'' Engineer alleged.
