Prayagraj police uncovered a controversial book comparing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to a terrorist organisation during a raid linked to a counterfeit currency case at a local madrasa. The book, titled “RSS: The Biggest Terrorist Organisation in the Country” by SM Musharraf, was found at Jamia Habibia Masjide Azam Madrasa in the Atarsuiya area on August 28. This discovery has raised concerns about the potential indoctrination of students with anti-RSS sentiments.
The raid, which was initially conducted to dismantle a counterfeit currency operation, led to the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of 1,300 fake 100-rupee notes, printing equipment, and materials used to produce counterfeit currency. Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Deepak Bhuker stated that the madrasa cleric, Mohammad Tafseerul Arifeen, had provided a room within the madrasa for the gang’s illegal activities. The operation was carried out by a gang led by Jahir Khan from Bhadrak, Odisha, and included members from Prayagraj.
The discovery of the book has raised concerns about the madrasa’s activities extending beyond just counterfeit currency operations. Police suspect that the cleric may have been using the book to indoctrinate students with anti-RSS propaganda, potentially fostering a hostile environment against the RSS. The RSS is a nationalist organisation that has played a significant role in shaping India’s socio-political landscape. Any attempt to equate it with terrorist organisations is seen as an affront to the nation’s integrity and unity.
A senior police official expressed concern over the book’s contents, emphasising the dangerous implications of such material being disseminated in an educational institution. “This is not just a matter of counterfeit currency; it raises serious questions about the motives behind such activities. We suspect that the cleric was using this book to instill anti-RSS sentiments in the minds of children, which is a grave issue,” the official said.
Following the raid, the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) were called in to interrogate the madrasa staff and students. Despite extensive questioning, no significant information has emerged so far. The police are now seeking to extend the remand of the arrested suspects to further probe the counterfeit currency operation and the potential spread of anti-national sentiments within the madrasa.
The arrested suspects face charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for their involvement in counterfeiting. These include sections 178 (counterfeiting coin, government stamps, currency notes or bank notes), 179 (using as genuine, forged or counterfeit currency notes), and 180 (possession of forged or counterfeit currency notes). Additionally, charges under sections 181 (making or possessing instruments or materials for forging currency notes) and 182(1) (making or using documents resembling currency notes) have also been filed.
RSS’s role in nation building
The RSS, established in 1925, has been at the forefront of India’s socio-cultural and nationalistic movements. It has contributed significantly to various aspects of nation-building, including promoting social harmony, disaster relief efforts, and fostering a sense of national pride. The organisation’s role in strengthening the moral and cultural fabric of the country is widely recognised, making any attempt to vilify it as a terrorist group deeply troubling.
