A massive, multi-state crackdown on suspected terror funding and illegal financial networks is underway. The Enforcement Directorate (Directorate of Enforcement, or ED) and the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) launched simultaneous raids across 13 locations nationwide, including intensive search operations in West Bengal. The joint operation targets an intricate network allegedly laundering foreign funds under the guise of running educational and religious institutions.

The Investigation: Cross-Border Networks and Foreign Funding

The crackdown stems from an earlier case registered by the UP ATS, which exposed a syndicate involved in fabricating illegal identification documents to facilitate the infiltration of individuals from Bangladesh into India. According to intelligence sources, substantial sums of money were flowing in from overseas accounts into specific non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and trusts. The ED later stepped in after discovering that these funds were allegedly being funneled to sustain extremist organizations.

High-Stakes Raids in North 24 Parganas

West Bengal has emerged as a focal point of the current investigation, with central teams conducting extensive searches in the North 24 Parganas district.

* Rameshwarpur Darul Uloom Madrasa (Hasanabad): The UP ATS raided this local madrasa early in the morning, meticulously scrutinizing administrative and financial documents. Investigators have linked the institution to a local Trinamool Congress leader, Abdullah Gazi, and his son. Both suspects managed to evade authorities and went into hiding just as the raid commenced. Speaking to the press, Gazi’s brother expressed frustration, noting that family members had previously faced arrest and imprisonment in connection with similar investigations.

* Harowa Operations: Simultaneously, the ED deployed teams across three separate properties belonging to a prominent local businessman, Abdus Samad. Central security forces cordoned off the areas as officials searched a private hospital, an educational institution, and a madrasa managed by Samad. Investigators allege that a trust operated by the businessman received massive influxes of foreign currency that lack legitimate tracking or justification.
As of Thursday afternoon, the operations remain active under heavy security deployment. Officials have not yet disclosed the exact volume of cash or incriminating documents seized during the ongoing searches.

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