Prayagraj Authorities Seal Madarsa Amidst Counterfeit Currency Scandal

The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) sealed Jamia Habibia Masjide Azam Madarsa after uncovering a counterfeit currency operation and a controversial book comparing the RSS to a terrorist organization. The investigation involved raids, questioning of staff by LIU and ATS, and further legal action to remand suspects for interrogation.

The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) has sealed a madrasa in the city following the discovery that counterfeit currency was being printed there. Additionally, a book comparing the RSS to a terrorist organization was recovered from the premises.

An official from PDA stated that the Jamia Habibia Masjide Azam Madarsa in Atarsuiya was sealed on Wednesday due to its unauthorized status.

During an August 28 raid, police found a book in Urdu titled ''RSS: Desh Ka Sabse Bada Aatankwadi Sangathan,'' authored by former Maharashtra IG SM Mushrif. Besides counterfeit notes, the book was found and confirmed to be used by the madarsa's Maulvi, Mohammad Tafseerul Arifeen, to instill anti-RSS sentiments among children.

Teams from the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) interrogated the madarsa's staff, yet no significant information emerged. Nonetheless, police plan to file a court application for remanding suspects for further questioning.

Staff and students denied knowledge of counterfeit currency activities. The August 28 raid led to the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of 1,300 counterfeit Rs 100 notes, 234 uncut currency pages, a laptop, a color printer, and various other materials.

(With inputs from agencies.)