Kabir Foundation Alleges Fake QR Donation Scam in Mosque Fund

December 13, 2025

Murshidabad, West Bengal: The West Bengal Islamic Foundation of India, run by suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir, has accused unknown persons of creating duplicate QR codes to siphon off donations meant for a proposed mosque project. The foundation filed an official complaint with the Behrampore Cyber Crime Police on Thursday.

Allegation: Fake QR Codes Misused for Fundraising

According to the complaint lodged by Mohammad Aminul Sheikh, the joint treasurer of the foundation, the accused copied the trust’s information and issued fake QR codes that people were scanning to send money, diverting funds away from the legitimate mosque account. 
The foundation says this fraudulent activity started on December 9 and that they discovered the scam when some donors reported inconsistencies in the payment details.

The police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 336(3) (dangerous acts), 338 (causing grievous hurt by an act endangering life), and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) and begun an investigation.

Kabir Blames Political Rivalry Behind Scam

Humayun Kabir, a suspended TMC MLA from Bharatpur, publicly alleged that supporters of TMC MLA Rabiul Alam Chowdhury of Rejinagar were behind the fake QR code scam. Kabir demanded swift police action and warned that if the matter is not properly investigated, he may take matters into his own hands, including pursuing those who received diverted funds.

Responding to the accusations, Chowdhury denied involvement, stating that Kabir should provide evidence identifying the perpetrators before making such claims.

Background: Mosque Project and Donation Drive

The controversy is part of a bigger issue around Kabir’s attempt to build a mosque styled after the historic Babri Masjid in Beldanga, Murshidabad a district in West Bengal with a significant Muslim population.

Kabir laid the foundation stone for the mosque on December 6 in a high-profile event that drew thousands of supporters, amid heightened security due to the sensitive nature of the Babri Masjid issue nationally.

His foundation has reportedly collected several crores of rupees in donations, both through cash boxes placed at the site and through QR code-based digital contributions. Recent reports have suggested that total donations may be approaching ₹3.5 crore-₹4 crore for the project.

Political and Community Context

Tensions Within TMC

Kabir’s suspension from the Trinamool Congress earlier in December triggered by intra-party disputes over the mosque project has intensified the political fallout.

His growing rift with local party leaders and allegations against fellow TMC MLAs has added a charged political dimension to the controversy, especially as West Bengal gears up for assembly elections.

Criticism from Other Muslim Groups

Beyond political tussles, other Muslim leadership and organizations have also criticized naming the Murshidabad mosque after the Babri Masjid, warning that it could reignite communal tensions. Some officials have suggested more inclusive naming to avoid historical sensitivities.

What Comes Next? Police Probe and Public Reaction

The Behrampore  Cyber Crime Police has begun investigating the QR code fraud allegation. Authorities are examining digital records and tracing transactions linked to the alleged fake codes. Sources say police may soon summon witnesses, including donors who reported suspicious activities.

Local residents and donors have expressed concerns about the integrity of the fundraising campaign and demanded transparency, while Kabir’s supporters insist the mosque initiative is legitimate and that the fraud attempt should not tarnish its goals.