NHRC Launches Action After India Today Uncovers Illegal Madrasas

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated formal proceedings following an India Today investigation that exposed a network of illegal and unregulated madrasas operating along the India-Nepal border. The investigation highlighted concerns over radical teachings, illicit foreign funding, and a broader risk to national security and child welfare.

The sting operation uncovered a disturbing trend in the border regions of Bihar and neighboring areas in Nepal. Several madrasas were operating without any government registration or oversight. These institutions reportedly received money through hawala channels, an informal and illegal method of transferring funds, mostly from Gulf-based sources. In some cases, these funds were allegedly used to promote extremist ideology under the guise of religious education.

One particularly alarming case emerged from Muzaffarpur in Bihar, where a teacher at Jamia Nuria Merajul Uloom admitted on hidden camera to receiving hawala money and providing what he referred to as “jihadi training” to underprivileged Muslim children. According to the footage, the aim was to indoctrinate young minds for potential extremist activities. This admission has sparked serious concerns about both internal security and the welfare of vulnerable youth.

In Sitamarhi, another unregistered madrasa, Madrasa Islamia Mehmoodia, was shown to be operating from a makeshift tin shed with no signage or legal documentation. Its administrator acknowledged using forged Indian identity documents to admit undocumented children, some reportedly of Bangladeshi origin. This raises red flags regarding possible human trafficking and exploitation across the porous border.

The report also revealed that students were exposed to sermons from Zakir Naik, a controversial Islamic preacher wanted in India on terrorism-related charges. Textbooks like Taaleem-ul-Islam, which contain derogatory references to non-Muslims, were also being used as part of the curriculum.

Responding to the exposé, NHRC member Priyanka Kanungo confirmed on social media that the commission is “taking cognisance and initiating action” based on the evidence presented. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), a statutory body tasked with protecting human rights in India, is expected to summon relevant officials and review these institutions’ activities under existing child protection and anti-terror legislation.

This incident also aligns with broader concerns raised by authorities in Uttar Pradesh, where illegal religious structures and unauthorized madrasas near the border have been under review for similar reasons.

The NHRC’s prompt response suggests a serious approach to tackling unlawful activity under the guise of education. It also highlights the need for tighter regulation of cross-border institutions that could undermine security and exploit vulnerable children in high-risk regions.