Champaran Madrassa Sealed After Arms Recovery; Arrangements for Arms Training to Target Hindus During Riots Suspected, 3 Held.

Upananda Brahmachari | HENB | New Delhi | April 6, 2026:: In a significant development raising concerns over security and radicalisation, a madrassa in Bihar’s East Champaran district was sealed after police recovered illegal arms from its premises, while a separate terror-related investigation in Andhra Pradesh has revealed alleged links of accused individuals with global extremist organisations such as Islamic State and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent.

Arms Recovery at Madrassa in Bihar

According to police officials, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted a raid on the Islamia Madrassa in Gawandara village under Chakiya police station following a specific tip-off regarding illegal arms circulation in the area. During the operation, authorities recovered a pistol, live cartridges, and documents allegedly linked to suspicious activities.

Three individuals — including the madrassa’s cleric, caretaker, and cleaner — were arrested, and the premises were subsequently sealed. East Champaran Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat stated that forensic teams and dog squads were deployed to assist in the investigation, while CCTV footage from the madrassa and nearby areas is being analysed to trace any wider network.

Police sources indicated that the same madrassa had previously come under scrutiny when an alleged operative linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) was arrested there with the assistance of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Investigators are now examining whether the recovered weapons were part of a larger conspiracy and exploring possible connections with extremist networks.

Investigators are also probing whether the recovered arms and ammunition were stored at the madrassa for training purposes and potential use of those during communal unrest involving anti- National and anti-Hindu activities.

Authorities have also seized mobile phones of the accused and are analysing digital evidence to determine the nature and extent of their activities. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of organised planning, though they emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and conclusions will depend on forensic and intelligence findings.

Andhra Pradesh Probe Reveals Wider Terror Links

In a parallel development, police in Andhra Pradesh have arrested five individuals in a suspected terror-link case. During interrogation, investigators reportedly found that the accused were in contact with operatives associated with Islamic State and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent.

The prime accused, identified as Rahamathullah Sharif, along with his associates, allegedly operated multiple social media accounts to communicate with foreign handlers based in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Syria. Officials stated that these handlers encouraged radicalisation efforts, including calls for “Hijrat” and the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate.

Investigations have further revealed the circulation of extremist propaganda, including speeches by controversial figures such as Osama bin Laden, Israr Ahmed, and Zakir Naik. Authorities also found instructional materials related to explosives and weapons training being shared within the network.

One of the accused, Sayeeda Begum, is suspected to have links with operatives in Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir, with investigators probing the possibility of a women’s recruitment wing, referred to as the “Khawateen group.”

Cyber and Financial Angles Under Scanner

Police sources revealed that the group was also involved in sharing provocative content online, including imagery associated with extremist ideology and posts allegedly targeting national symbols. Investigators are examining potential cyber-terror plans, including attempts to target official websites.

Additionally, agencies are tracking suspected financial transactions routed through international channels, which may have supported the activities of the group. Handlers from multiple countries, including Bangladesh and the UAE, are believed to have played roles in coordinating operations.

Ongoing Investigations

Senior officials stated that both cases point toward broader concerns involving radicalisation, recruitment, and possible terror-related activities. However, authorities подчеркнули that investigations are still underway, and definitive conclusions will be drawn only after thorough examination of evidence.

Security agencies across states remain on alert, with coordinated efforts being undertaken to identify any interlinked networks and prevent potential threats.
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