Special Investigation Team to Examine Madrassas Receiving Foreign Funds in Uttar Pradesh

Special Investigation Team to Examine Madrassas Receiving Foreign Funds in Uttar Pradesh

VoM News Desk | October 24, 2023 | 08:39 AM IST | Crime, Uttar Pradesh | Follow on Google News

Special Investigation Team to Examine Madrassas Receiving Foreign Funds in Uttar Pradesh

Special Investigation Team to Examine Madrassas Receiving Foreign Funds in Uttar Pradesh

The government of Uttar Pradesh has established a special investigation team (SIT) to conduct an in-depth examination of around 4,000 madrassas, primarily located along the state’s border with Nepal, suspected of receiving foreign funding. The objective of this investigation is to determine whether these funds have been utilized for any illegal activities, including terrorism or forcible religious conversion.

Formation of the Special Investigation Team

The three-member SIT, led by Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Mohit Agarwal from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), was formed on the directive of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Joining ADG Aggarwal in the team are Cyber Cell Superintendent of Police Triveni Singh and J. Reebha, the Director of the Minority Welfare Department.

Scope of the Investigation

Out of the approximately 24,000 madrassas in Uttar Pradesh, 16,000 are officially recognized, while 8,000 remain unregistered. The investigation is expected to encompass around 4,000 madrassas located along the border with Nepal. The process of issuing notices to these institutions will commence shortly.

Over the past few years, there has been a notable increase in the number of madrassas in border areas near Nepal. Regions like Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Pilibhit share borders with Nepal. The decision to launch this investigation was prompted by a previous complaint suggesting that funds received from abroad were potentially being used for anti-national activities.

A survey conducted last year revealed that many madrassas in border areas were receiving substantial sums of money, yet they struggled to provide a clear account of these funds. The SIT will serve notices to these madrassas and request information regarding transactions in Exchange Earners’ Foreign Currency (EEFC) Accounts.

Investigative Process

The SIT’s primary task is to investigate the madrassas that receive foreign funding. This will involve inquiries into the source of the funds and the specific activities for which the money was utilized.

The establishment of the SIT reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in financial matters related to educational institutions, particularly those that may have connections to international sources.

Special Investigation Team to Examine Madrassas Receiving Foreign Funds in Uttar Pradesh: In cases of rectification of any error, Visit on Correction Policy:

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.