During an inspection at an illegal madrasa in Bahraich, 40 minor girls were found in suspicious condition in a toilet. The Minority Welfare Department has ordered the closure of the madrasa and the safe return of the girls to their homes.
Bahraich: A shocking incident came to light on Thursday in the Payagpur tehsil of Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh. During an inspection at a three-story alleged illegal madrasa operating in Pahilwara village of the district, 40 minor girls were found locked in suspicious circumstances in a toilet. Immediately after the incident, the Minority Welfare Department issued orders to close the madrasa and ensure the safe return of all the girls to their homes.
Discovery During Inspection
Payagpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ashwini Kumar Pandey and his team conducted a surprise inspection of the madrasa on Wednesday. During the inspection, the madrasa operators attempted to prevent the team from entering, but with the help of police force, the team gained access. The most surprising discovery for the team was that the door to the toilet on the roof was closed.
When female police officers opened the door, they found 40 girls, aged 9 to 14, locked inside. All of them were terrified and unable to speak properly due to fear. This sight shocked both the officials and the members of the investigation team.
Girls Claimed They Hid Out of Fear
When Tasqim Fatima, a teacher at the madrasa, was questioned, she stated that the girls had hidden in the toilet out of fear due to the chaos caused by the sudden inspection. She claimed that no immoral or violent incident had occurred.
However, despite this statement, the administration took the matter seriously. District Minority Welfare Officer Mohammad Khalid stated that an investigation into all records of the madrasa has begun, and instructions have been given to ensure the safe return of all girls to their homes. He also added that surveillance would be made even stricter in the future to prevent such incidents.
Police Begin Investigation into Madrasa Case
Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Ramanand Prasad Kushwaha stated that currently, no complaint has been lodged by the parents of any child or by the authorities. He assured that if any complaint is received, action would be taken according to the law based on it.
Meanwhile, an investigation has also been initiated against the operators of the madrasa. The police have ordered the examination of the madrasa's documents, student details, and records. The police stated that strict action would be taken if suspicious activities are confirmed.
