Unregulated seminaries allegedly funded via Gulf hawala networks found promoting radical ideologies
A special investigation by India Today has revealed the alarming spread of illegal, unregulated madrasas along the porous India-Nepal border, particularly in Bihar’s border districts and adjoining Nepali regions. These seminaries are reportedly funded through illicit hawala channels originating from Gulf countries, raising serious concerns over national security, reported time indiatoday.in.
The investigation uncovered a pattern of radical content being promoted within these institutions. In one disturbing case, a teacher named Maulvi Faisal confessed to showing videos of controversial preacher Zakir Naik to children. “Videos of Dr Zakir Naik were shown to the children… so that they are prepared to understand their Muslim identity,” he said.
The probe reveals indoctrination of minors and acceptance of foreign hawala funding in border-region ‘madrasas’
Many of these madrasas operate in remote areas, some without even a signboard, making them difficult to track or regulate. Several are reportedly willing to accept funding through illegal hawala networks in exchange for the inclusion of extremist content, including teachings related to jihad.
The India Today investigation further showed that young, impressionable children are being targeted and potentially radicalised, turning these unregulated institutions into breeding grounds for extremist ideology. Experts have flagged this network as a growing internal security challenge for India, especially given the cross-border nature of their operations.
Authorities are being urged to crack down on such unlawful seminaries and establish stricter oversight mechanisms along the sensitive Indo-Nepal border.
