UP ATS raids TMC leader's home in Bengal over foreign funding probe

The Uttar Pradesh ATS searched TMC leader Abdullah Gazi's home in Hasnabad and questioned him in the case. The action follows fresh leads in an ongoing probe into alleged foreign funds for a madrasa.

In Short

• Abdullah Gazi was questioned during the search at his Hasnabad residence
• The operation also covered other Bengal locations, including Haroa, officials said
• ED officers assisted the ATS as central forces guarded the searches

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Wednesday conducted searches at the residence of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district as part of an investigation into suspected foreign funding linked to the construction of a madrasa.

The raid was carried out at the residence of Abdullah Gazi in the Rameshwarpur area of Hasnabad. Officials also questioned the local TMC leader during the operation, a West Bengal police officer said.

SEARCHES AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Apart from Hasnabad, the ATS also carried out searches at several other locations in West Bengal, including Haroa. Officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) assisted the ATS during the operation, while central security forces provided security cover. Local police and administrative officials were also present during the searches.

PROBE INTO FOREIGN MONEY TRAIL

According to officials, the investigation stems from allegations that substantial funds were transferred from abroad into bank accounts linked to Gazi for the construction of a madrasa in Rameshwarpur.

Investigators are examining the source of the funds, the financial trail, related transactions and documents, and whether the money was used for the purpose for which it was received.

“The investigation is at a crucial stage, and further action will depend on the evidence collected,” a police officer told PTI.

The case also involves allegations that crores of rupees were collected in the name of foreign donations, with agencies verifying how those funds were utilised.

EARLIER ARREST UNDER INVESTIGATION

Officials said Gazi was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh ATS two years ago in connection with a similar case. That investigation is still underway, and the latest searches are based on fresh information that surfaced during the ongoing probe.

The Uttar Pradesh ATS has not issued an official statement on the latest operation.

- Ends
With inputs from PTI