Bhavnagar Illegal Madrasa Probe Widens, SOG Takes Maulana to Bharuch to Trace Network

Bhavnagar: The investigation into the illegal madrasa uncovered during a mega combing operation in the 25 Wariya area of Sidsar near Bhavnagar has widened, with state and central agencies intensifying their probe. Maulana Mohammad Sharif, who was arrested after police allegedly recovered provocative and objectionable literature, is currently under a 10-day police remand. In view of his suspected role, central intelligence agencies have also joined the interrogation. As part of the ongoing investigation, the Bhavnagar Special Operations Group (SOG) has taken the Maulana to Bharuch to trace his links.

The case came to light after police found that three Gujarat Housing Board houses, Nos. 110, 111 and 112, in the 25 Wariya area were allegedly being used to run an illegal madrasa. During the search, officers seized around 15 books written in Urdu and Arabic, along with a 60-page handwritten diary, from 26-year-old Maulvi Mohammad Sharif Abbasbhai Maredia, a native of Badargarh village in Banaskantha district.

Police said the seized material is suspected to contain content aimed at spreading a provocative ideology among children. Based on the findings, a case was registered at Vartej Police Station, and the Maulana was arrested. The recovered books and other documents will be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed examination as part of the investigation.

It is learnt that although the Maulana is originally from Banaskantha, he had been studying in Bharuch before arriving in Bhavnagar. Investigators are now examining his contacts and possible network in Bharuch. A special SOG team has reached the city with the accused and is expected to conduct inquiries in coordination with the local SOG and police, particularly in sensitive areas.

Earlier in the investigation, police arrested two Bhavnagar residents, Yusuf Arifanai Marjani and Anas Mohammad Siddiq Lakhani, who are accused of facilitating the Maulana’s stay in Bhavnagar and providing financial support. Both were produced before a court and have since been remanded to judicial custody.

Meanwhile, investigators are continuing to record statements from local residents of the 25 Wariya area, students who attended the madrasa, and their parents. Police are also probing the alleged funding trail, the wider network, and any other possible links connected to the case. DeshGujarat