Motihari: In a major operation in Bihar’s Motihari district, police raided a madrasa and recovered a pistol, live cartridges, and several important documents from the premises. Three Islamists were detained for questioning, and the madrasa has been sealed as investigations continue. Local reports have also confirmed the recovery and subsequent sealing of the site.
According to East Champaran SP Swarn Prabhat, the raid was carried out based on specific intelligence inputs indicating possible illegal arms trading and plans for a major incident originating from the madrasa campus in Gawandara village under Chakia police station limits. Acting promptly, a special investigation team led by Chakia DSP Santosh Kumar and station in-charge Munna Kumar cordoned off the area and conducted a thorough search. During the operation, police seized a pistol, live ammunition, and documents considered crucial to the probe. A forensic team and dog squad were also deployed to gather evidence and examine the premises.
Police are currently questioning the three detainees to ascertain any links to suspicious networks or organised groups. Investigators are also analysing mobile phones and reviewing CCTV footage from the madrasa and nearby areas to determine if a larger conspiracy was underway. As a precaution, security has been heightened in the surrounding locality.
The madrasa had previously come under scrutiny in 2023, when Yakub Khan alias Usman alias Sultan, allegedly a key operative linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), was arrested from the same location by the Bihar ATS and local police, with support from central agencies. He was accused of conducting training camps in the Chakia region and of posting inflammatory content on social media targeting the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Police officials stated that the investigation is still at a preliminary stage, and all possible angles, including a suspected PFI connection, are being examined thoroughly.
