Madrasa near Al Falah linked to accused; locals raise alarm

Investigators have found that the accused in the Delhi blast terror module were running a madrasa in the vicinity of Al Falah University. The matter was flagged by local residents.

The under-construction facility, located about 700 m ahead of the university, has come under intense official scrutiny. It was being run by Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, alias Musaib, and cleric Mohammad Ishtiyaq, both arrested for their alleged involvement with the terror module.

The land for the under-construction madrasa was purchased for around Rs 14 lakh a year ago. As per initial investigation, the power of attorney for the land is in the name of Ishtiyaq. Around 22 children were studying at the madrasa, which is now closed.

Residents suspect the accused may have tried to use education as a front to spread terror. A board near the madrasa reads “Madrasa Islamia Arabia Islahul Muslimeen” in English and Urdu. A senior police officer said the revenue department had begun an inquiry into the madrasa after it came under the scanner following Ishtiyaq’s arrest.

Sources said after purchasing the land, Muzammil gave money to Ishtiyaq for construction. A submersible pump was installed and a basement, equipped with fans and mats, had been built. Items used during namaz were also found in the building.

A local resident said after the madrasa began operating, cleric Ishtiyaq went door to door urging families to send their children for “taleem”. A total of 22 children were studying there, but after the cleric’s arrest, none returned and the madrasa now remains shut.

“After the matter came to light, we learned that the property was purchased for around Rs 14 lakh. Muzammil’s money was invested in the land and its construction. We never imagined such highly educated people, even doctors, could be terrorists. We have stopped sending our son to the madrasa,” said Yusuf, a nearby resident.

Another resident said the children went there for studies and had no clue about any suspicious activity there. “They could be running a terror module under the guise of education. The madrasa should be thoroughly investigated,” he said on the condition of anonymity.

Local residents now see terror in the guise of “taleem”, but say the true picture will emerge only after the investigation. A senior investigating officer said multiple agencies were probing various aspects.