Illegal madrassa linked to UK-based Islamic preacher demolished in Sant Kabir Nagar

Sant Kabir Nagar, Amid tight security, authorities on Sunday began the demolition of an alleged illegal madrassa built in Khalilabad city here by a UK-based Islamic preacher accused of having radical links.

The action was initiated at the madrassa in Meat Mandi area a day after an appeal filed by the madrassa committee against the demolition notice was dismissed, according to sub-divisional magistrate Hriday Ram Tiwari.

The madrassa is linked to Maulana Shamshul Huda Khan, who obtained British citizenship in 2013 and is accused of illegally building the structure, officials said.

According to the administration, various agencies, including the Anti-Terrorism Squad and the Enforcement Directorate, have been conducting investigations against Khan.

These investigations allegedly revealed cases of illegal foreign funding and suspected links to terror-related activities, following which an FIR was registered against Khan at the Khalilabad police station.

Tiwari said the land on which the madrassa was built had recently been “merged” with government land and that the building plan had not been approved by authorities.

He said that a case related to the demolition order issued by the SDM court was pending before the commissionerate court, but the appeal filed by the madrassa committee was dismissed on Saturday.

“There is no case in this regard pending in any court, and therefore action has been initiated,” said the SDM.

Additional District Magistrate Jai Prakash and Circle Officer Priyam Rajshekhar were present at the site along with a large contingent of police personnel.

Khan, a native of Azamgarh district, allegedly channeled funds to various madrassas through his NGO called Raja Foundation as well as through his personal bank accounts, ED officials said.

Khan is said to have visited Pakistan and is alleged by officials to be a member of a Pakistani radical organisation, ‘Dawat E Islami’.

At least three FIRs have been registered against him by the Uttar Pradesh Police on charges of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.

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