Lucknow, 07 Dec: Around 24,000 madrassas in Uttar Pradesh are being investigated for allegedly receiving payments from abroad, with an investigation launched to see whether the money was being used for criminal acts such as terrorism or coercive religious conversion.
According to senior UP police sources, up to 8,448 madrassas were detected to be unlawful, and a report on their suspected illegal operations was given to the state government.
In the initial phase, 30-40 madrassas were investigated, and it was found that about Rs 100 crore was provided directly to these institutions.
“The investigation committee will now determine where this money has gone, and each transaction will be verified using KYC. The individual who received the money will be required to attend and provide a statement,” according to a source.
According to sources, the money was transferred through Europe and the Middle East, notably Saudi Arabia. Officials have noted an increase in the amount of money being routed through London, owing to increased scrutiny on money originating in the Middle East.
“We’re trying to figure out who’s sending this money. Their sincerity is being scrutinized,” according to a source.
Another high source stated that the money might have been transferred through London by Pakistan’s ISI.
According to authorities, many madrasas have sprung up in the districts bordering Nepal in recent years. Border towns with Nepal include Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Pilibhit.
