The British citizen and longtime madrasa teacher faces allegations of foreign funding
AZAMGARH – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted a detailed raid at the temporary residence of madrasa teacher Shamsul Huda in Millat Nagar, Mubarakpur police area of Azamgarh district, Uttar Pradesh. ED officers, arriving in three to four vehicles from Lucknow, carried out extensive searches and examinations over the day.
Huda, who acquired British citizenship in 2013, allegedly continued to receive an unpaid salary and retirement benefits from his madrasa in India despite living abroad. Authorities allege that he used foreign funding to manage the madrasa and created modules to operate extremist networks within India.
A senior ED official said, “Our inquiry is focusing on financial irregularities and potential links to overseas extremist organisations. We are examining all documents and digital records found on site.”
The Uttar Pradesh government has acted swiftly, revoking the 78-year-old recognition of the madrasa where Huda taught and suspending several officials involved in administrative lapses. Huda had been appointed at Darul Uloom Ahle Sunnat Ashrafia Misbahul Uloom madrasa on 12 July, 1984.
Sources reveal that Huda continued to receive his salary from the madrasa until 31 July 2017, amounting to approximately INR 16.55 lakh, despite having relocated to the UK and securing citizenship there. Departmental collusion reportedly facilitated his irregular medical leaves, enabling him to continue drawing benefits unlawfully.
“It is concerning that such irregularities persisted for years despite repeated departmental oversight,” said a local education department official, requesting anonymity. “This is now being addressed seriously, and accountability is being enforced.”
Investigations intensified following reports received by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) from Sant Kabir Nagar district, leading to an FIR against Huda in Khalilabad. ED is now coordinating across Azamgarh and Sant Kabir Nagar to examine his financial dealings, foreign funding, and alleged Pakistan connections.
A local community member remarked, “We are shocked that a teacher from our madrasa could be involved in such activities. We hope the investigation brings clarity and justice.”
The case has highlighted systemic gaps in monitoring foreign citizenship teachers in Indian educational institutions and underscores the need for stricter compliance and oversight. ED officials are expected to submit a preliminary report within the coming weeks, while departmental inquiries continue to assess accountability for prior administrative lapses.
“We are committed to uncovering the full network and ensuring that no extremist modules operate through educational institutions,” added the ED officer.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities emphasise vigilance and transparency in financial and administrative dealings within madrasas, signalling a comprehensive crackdown on irregularities and potential national security threats.
