Madarasa sealed after pistol found

3 people arrested

Motihari (Bihar) – In a major operation in Bihar’s Motihari district, Police conducted a raid at a madarasa and recovered a pistol, live cartridges, and several important documents from the premises. Three persons were detained for questioning, while the madarasa has been sealed as investigations continue. Recent local reports also confirm the recovery and sealing of the premises.

According to East Champaran SP Swarn Prabhat, the raid was launched after specific intelligence inputs suggested illegal arms trading and planning for a possible major incident from the madarasa campus located in Gawandara village under the Chakia Police station. Acting swiftly, a special investigation team led by Chakia DSP Santosh Kumar and station in-charge Munna Kumar cordoned off the area and carried out an intensive search. During the operation, Police recovered one pistol, live ammunition, and key documents believed to be crucial to the ongoing probe.

Police are currently interrogating the three detainees to determine whether they have links to any suspicious network or organised group. Mobile phones and CCTV footage from the madarasa and nearby areas are also being examined to establish whether a wider conspiracy was in motion.

The madarasa had earlier come under the scanner when Yakub Khan alias Usman alias Sultan, described as a key operative linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), was arrested from the same location by Bihar ATS and local Police with assistance from central agencies in 2023. Yakub had allegedly run training camps in the Chakia region and was also accused of making inflammatory social media posts against the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Editorial Perspectives

• This incident once again brings to light the reality that madarasas are becoming hubs of crime and terrorism.

• It is evident that the violent ideology of jihadist terrorists stems from the religious teachings imparted to them. However, it is outrageous that such madarasas, which allegedly promote such teachings and spread terrorism, are not only permitted but also receive Government funding.