Terror Trail in Dhari: Madrasa Demolished, Maulana Held
Maulana arrested after ATS finds encrypted messages, Pakistan-based WhatsApp groups, and extremist content on seized devices.
New Delhi: In a big drive against suspected foreign-backed radical activities, Gujarat authorities have knocked down an illegally built madrasa in Himkhdipara village of Dhari taluka, Amreli district. The action comes on the heels of arrest of the madrasa owner, Maulana Mohammad Fazal Abdul Aziz Sheikh, who is being probed by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on charges of having links with extremist groups in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
The building was demolished after authorities found that the madrasa, which was functioning in the absence of recognition or regulatory permission, was constructed on land reserved under a state housing plan for economically weaker sections. Dhari Provincial Officer Harshvardhansinh Jadeja confirmed that the piece of land had been “illegally transferred” to the religious body without any legal sanction.
This madrasa was not only an unlawful building but was also operating in the absence of land-use permits or board affiliation,” Jadeja said. “Its emergence as an unexpected suspected node in a foreign radical network is very troubling.
The case took a turn after explosive proof was pulled out of Maulana Sheikh’s cell phone from a normal local intelligence operation. The phone was said to have several WhatsApp groups associated with ISPs in Pakistan, with communication in Arabic and encrypted files that are suspected to have radical propaganda and recruitment content. Some of the contacts within these groups were reported by Indian agencies to be the handlers of extremist groups.
A top Special Operations Group (SOG) officer stated, “The evidence consisted of encrypted messages, suspicious file transfers, and links to global handlers. We are handling this case as a possible hub of digital indoctrination.”
Maulana Sheikh, hailing from Ahmedabad’s Juhapura area — one that was in the security limelight earlier — had shifted base to Amreli district some years ago under the guise of an Islamic instructor. But police found no documentation of his being registered with any religious institutions within the district and no connection to recognized madrasa boards. Still, he used to take in clerics from other districts on a regular basis without required documents or verification by the police.
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Security organs suspect that Sheikh employed his de facto status and rural stronghold to secretly build cross-border connections. His previous foreign travel, economic transactions, and possible hawala channels are currently being examined.
The Gujarat ATS, with the help of central intelligence agencies, is scanning all electronic gadgets recovered from the madrasa. Investigators are acting under the terms of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Information Technology Act to crack his global communications and potential involvement in a wider radicalisation network in western India.
In order to maintain communal peace while conducting the demolition, authorities had sent out large-scale security arrangements such as two Deputy Superintendents of Police, three Police Inspectors, and several law enforcement teams. “The timing was strategic, and the operation was intelligence-driven,” said DySP Parakramsinh Rathod. “We ensured there was no public unrest.”
Maulana Sheikh was officially brought into ATS custody on May 3. A top ATS official revealed that preliminary examination of his phone showed extremist material, encrypted communication software, and suspected connections to pan-Islamic radical organizations.
“This is not a case of religion—it is a case of national security,” a top Gujarat Home Department official said. “The government has acted in accordance with the law to check foreign-funded indoctrination and maintain public order.”
The probe has been initiated and an initial report submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and the inquiry is likely to expand as cyber forensic experts further investigate Maulana Sheikh’s online trail and foreign links.
The event was also brought to the limelight on social media, user Amandud2 shared a video of demolition of the madrasa and ongoing investigation. The post has since brought the case and its wider implications for national security to the public limelight.
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