The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has begun checking the bank accounts, funding sources and student records of thousands of madrasas across the state following an intelligence input, according to a report by Jagran.
The probe is focused particularly on around 16,000 madrasas that operate without government funding. Authorities are examining how these institutions are financed, their income and expenditure, and the details of students enrolled there.
According to the report, Uttar Pradesh has 24,962 madrasas, of which 16,513 are recognised and 8,449 are unrecognised. Among the recognised institutions, 558 receive government grants, while approximately 16,000 operate without government financial assistance.
ATS officials are examining the bank transactions of madrasas to establish their sources of income and expenditure. Operators are also being asked where and when they received funds, including any money received from foreign or local sources. The records of individuals or organisations providing such funds will also be examined.
The investigation is also looking into the number of students studying at each madrasa and their places of residence. According to the report, the exercise is being carried out across all districts of the state.
Sources associated with the ATS said the investigation began following an input received towards the end of August 2026. The immediate focus is on understanding how un-funded madrasas are being operated and where they obtain the money required for their functioning.
No significant information has emerged from the preliminary investigation so far, according to the report. The probe is still underway, and it is not yet clear whether investigators have identified any suspicious activity.
Once the inquiry is completed, authorities are expected to have a clearer picture of the funding received by these institutions. Operators of un-funded madrasas will also reportedly be issued notices seeking details of their income and expenditure.
The investigation has caused concern among madrasa operators, while officials in the minority welfare departments across the districts are also monitoring the developments.
The ATS scrutiny comes against the backdrop of earlier concerns over alleged links between some madrasas in the state and individuals associated with terror activities. The report recalls that two madrasas in the Amroha district had come under scrutiny in 2007.
Abu Hamza, identified as an area commander of Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, had reportedly studied at a madrasa in the district. He was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kashmir on 29 April 2007. The report also notes that students from Bangladesh and Kashmir had previously studied at madrasas in the district.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
