A madrasa in Bihar’s Motihari district has been sealed after police recovered a pistol, live ammunition and several important documents during a raid triggered by intelligence inputs suggesting illegal arms activity and the possibility of a planned major incident. Three individuals, including two madrasa associates and a local youth, have been detained for questioning as investigators probe the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
The operation took place at the Islamia Madrasa located in Govinda village under the Chakia police station area of East Champaran district. According to police, the raid was carried out after specific intelligence indicated that the madrasa campus could be linked to illegal arms trading and preparations for a potential major incident.
East Champaran Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat said a special investigation team was immediately formed following the intelligence inputs. The team, led by Chakia Deputy Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar and station in-charge Munna Kumar, cordoned off the area and conducted a detailed search of the premises.
During the operation, officers recovered one pistol, live cartridges and documents believed to be significant for the ongoing investigation. The weapon and papers were reportedly hidden behind a classroom supply board inside the madrasa building.
Forensic teams deployed as investigation widens
Following the recovery, the madrasa premises were sealed while investigators began a detailed examination of the site. A forensic team and a dog squad were deployed to gather evidence and assist in analysing the scene.
Police are currently interrogating the three detainees to determine whether they are connected to any organised criminal network or suspicious group. Investigators are also examining mobile phones and reviewing CCTV footage from the madrasa as well as nearby locations in an effort to establish whether a larger conspiracy was being planned.
Authorities said security in the surrounding locality has been tightened as a precautionary measure while the investigation continues.
Previous arrest at the same madrasa raises further questions
The madrasa had previously come under scrutiny after the arrest of Yakub Khan, also known as Usman or Sultan, from the same premises in 2023. Yakub was described by officials as a key operative linked to the banned Popular Front of India.
He was arrested by the Bihar Anti Terrorism Squad along with local police, with assistance from central agencies. According to police, Yakub had allegedly organised training camps in the Chakia region and had also been accused of posting inflammatory content on social media targeting the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Local residents claim the madrasa has been surrounded by controversy for some time. Villagers have alleged that suspicious meetings frequently took place at the premises and that individuals with criminal backgrounds were often seen visiting the location.
Investigators also discovered that the madrasa’s main administrators are currently absconding. CCTV cameras installed on the premises were found to be non functional, prompting suspicion that they may have been deliberately switched off.
Police are now trying to determine whether the recovered weapon was licensed or illegal, who it belonged to, and why it was being kept inside the madrasa. Authorities are also examining whether criminal or terror related activities were being carried out under the guise of the institution.
At the time of reporting, the officials emphasised that the probe remains at an early stage and that all possible angles, including a suspected connection to the banned PFI network, are being examined carefully.
