All India Muslim Jamaat chief welcomes ATS probe into UP madrasa funding

Bareilly, July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) President of the All India Muslim Jamaat Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi on Saturday welcomed the Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad's (UP-ATS) probe into the funding of more than 4,000 madrasas across the state, saying that the concerned members are willing to cooperate.

Earlier, the Allahabad High Court had refused to interfere with the ATS probe, arguing that the inquiry was a mere fact-finding exercise and did not constitute any coercive action.

Speaking to IANS, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi said: "Ever since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was formed in Uttar Pradesh, four investigation orders have been issued till now. Investigations were conducted, and a fifth order has now been issued stating that the ATS will probe the madrasas. Regarding this order, members of the Madrasa Arabia Association approached the Allahabad High Court."

"The Allahabad High Court upheld the investigation order. We welcomed the investigation earlier as well, and we welcome the ATS investigation now too. ATS officials are welcome to come whenever they wish," he added.

Comparing madrasas to an "open book" and a "clean mirror", he said: "Nothing is hidden by those who run the madrasas; they are ready to show and talk about everything."

The Muslim cleric further urged ATS personnel to verify and investigate the documents related to it while maintaining that the madrasa committee is ready to cooperate.

Mentioning that madrasas come under the state-level Minority Welfare Departments, he said: "It would have been better if the department was entrusted with the probe."

However, he said that since the Centre has given the investigation responsibility to the ATS, "we welcome it and are ready to cooperate in every way".

"Let them come to madrasas and see for themselves the documents, registers and even what is being taught to students. They should also witness how we run the madrasas and the difficult circumstances under which the students are taught," the cleric added.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Husain Dalwai said: "If the accounts of madrasas or dargahs are being examined, then why are temples being exempted? That is wrong."

Referring to alleged embezzlement of donations at Ayodhya's Ram Temple, he said: "People make offerings out of faith, and it is important to examine where those donations go and ensure they are properly accounted for."

Source: IANS