Azamgarh: In a crackdown on irregularities in madrassas, Azamgarh police arrested three persons in two separate cases on Thursday and Friday.In the first case, two accused wanted in connection with embezzlement of govt funds under the Madrassa Modernisation Scheme were arrested in the Phoolpur police station area. The accused have been identified as Sharad Yadav and Dharmendra Kumar Yadav.The case stems from a complaint lodged on Feb 11, 2025, by Inspector Kunwar Brahm Prakash Singh of the State Special Crime Investigation Branch, Lucknow. The complaint alleged that Madrassa Arabia Tahtania Bhikhpur (madrassa ID: 191100096) misappropriated govt funds by falsifying details related to its building and student strength on the official portal.During investigation, it was found that madrassa manager Riyaz Ahmad allegedly embezzled Rs 66,000. Based on the findings, an FIR was registered at Phoolpur police station under IPC Sections 409, 420, 467, 468 and 471. Police teams led by SI Satyendra Kumar arrested the two accused near Ambari Chauraha.In a separate action, Sidhari police arrested Mohammad Akram for allegedly operating a fake madrassa and misleading govt system.The action followed verification of madrassas registered on the state portal, during which several institutions were found to be violating norms. According to officials, Akram, manager of madrassa Islamia Mohammadalla (madrassa ID: 191100462) in Sidhari, manipulated records and ran a non-existent institution.Based on a complaint filed on Feb 13, 2025, an FIR was registered under IPC Sections 420, 465, 467, 468 and 471 at Rani Ki Sarai police station. Akram was arrested from the Munda Tiraha area on Friday.Police said further investigation in both cases is underway.
