Gujarat : Madrasa Demolished Amidst Foreign Connection

Amreli, Gujarat – In a decisive move early this morning, authorities in Dhari taluka of Amreli district demolished the Himkhimdi Madrasa following revelations of suspicious activities linked to Maulana Mohammad Fazal Abdul Aziz Sheikh, a teacher at the institution. Gujarat ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) has initiated an investigation into Maulana Sheikh’s alleged ties with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, marking a significant development in security protocols amidst heightened vigilance post recent terrorist activities.

The demolition operation, conducted under tight security to forestall any untoward incidents, was accompanied by a thorough verification by Revenue Department officials. According to Dhari Provincial Officer Harshvardhansinh Jadeja, the construction of the madrasa was found to be in violation of land allotment conditions. “The plot on which the madrasa stood was originally allotted to poor beneficiaries, yet was later found to have been transferred unlawfully,” stated Jadeja.

Security Measures and Investigation Progress

DySP Parakramsinh Rathod highlighted the comprehensive security arrangements put in place for the operation, involving two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs), three Police Inspectors (PIs), and additional law enforcement personnel. “The demolition followed an extensive investigation by the Revenue Department and local authorities, who found compelling evidence of irregularities,” remarked DySP Rathod.

The suspicion surrounding Maulana Sheikh intensified following recent national security concerns, particularly in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Sources within the Amreli Special Operations Group (SOG) disclosed that Maulana Sheikh had been under scrutiny for alleged connections with extremist elements abroad. Investigations revealed that the Maulana maintained communication through multiple WhatsApp groups originating from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, predominantly conversing in Arabic.

Transfer to ATS and Ongoing Investigation

After seizing Maulana Sheikh’s mobile phone and translating intercepted messages, Amreli SOG swiftly escalated the case to the ATS. “The content of these messages suggested coordinated activities managed from abroad,” affirmed a senior officer involved in the investigation. Maulana Sheikh, originally from Juhapura, Ahmedabad, was subsequently handed over to ATS custody on May 3, 2025, for further interrogation and probe into potential national security implications.

The ATS is currently delving deeper into Maulana Sheikh’s background and the nature of his international connections, aiming to uncover any potential threats or affiliations posing risks to regional security. The unfolding investigation underscores the state’s proactive stance in safeguarding against external influences that could undermine communal harmony and national integrity.

As developments unfold, authorities remain vigilant, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in maintaining robust security measures across sensitive regions. The demolition of the Himkhimdi Madrasa serves as a stark reminder of the imperative to uphold legal norms and deter any activities that compromise public safety and national security.