Bengal: UP ATS raids madrasa, seizes computer & SIM cards

The FCRA accounts of these trusts showed that they received Rs.58 crore from UK-based Ummah Welfare Trust

January 15, 2024

Madrasa run by human trafficking and terror funding operator raided in Bengal, had received Rs.58 cr via FCRA from UK

Uttar Pradesh Police anti-terrorist squad (UP ATS) recovered a computer and two SIM cards from a madrasa of West Bengal being operated by Abu Saleh, a member of the human trafficking and terror funding syndicate.

Abu Saleh, accused of receiving foreign funds to the tune of Rs.58 crore in the name of two trusts and misusing them to carry out anti-national activities, was arrested from Lucknow’s Manak Nagar area on January 8.

ATS officials said a team headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police took Abu Saleh to West Bengal.

“We have, so far, recovered a computer, SIM cards, and several documents, containing details of infiltrators, from the madrasa. The seized material would now be sent for a forensic audit,” the officials said.

The ATS is likely to bring Abu Saleh back to Uttar Pradesh on Monday and produce him in court to seek an extension of his remand.

Abu Saleh reportedly had claimed to be a director of various trusts, including Kabir Bagh Millat Academy and Haroa-al Jamiatul Islamia Darul Uloom Madrasa.

“The FCRA accounts (through which foreign funding can be received) of these trusts showed that they received Rs.58 crore from UK-based Ummah Welfare Trust between 2018 and 2022,” the ATS sources added.

An ATS officer said Ummah Welfare Trust had its accounts with Barclays and HSBC, but were closed due to its activities in the UK. The trust had worked with Interpal, a Palestinian organization, designated as a terrorist entity by the US. He said a large part of the funding was obtained in the form of cash through false billings.

[With Inputs from IANS]

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