The Madrasa Jamia Ehsan-ul-Banat in Lodhipur, Pakbara, came under controversy for allegedly demanding a virginity certificate from a 13-year-old student before admitting her to the eighth grade. There is also suspicion of foreign funding in the madrasa. During police investigations, some documents were recovered from the madrasa, which are currently under scrutiny. The police have sent reports to the Education Department, Minority Welfare Department, District Administration, and Child Welfare Committee, requesting a thorough investigation. The madrasa’s bank accounts, as well as documents related to recognition from the Madrasa Board and UP Board, are also being examined.
Deficiencies in Classes and Hostels
Police investigations revealed that the Jamia Ehsan-ul-Banat madrasa in Lodhipur runs classes from 1st to 12th grade under both the Madrasa Board and the UP Board in the same campus. Several deficiencies were found in the students’ hostels and classrooms. The police also found suspicious activities and documents on the premises, which require verification by the relevant departments. The investigation team conducted checks for about two hours on Friday (October 24) and continued on Saturday (October 25). Students from neighbouring districts as well as from Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand are also studying at the madrasa.
Suspicion of Foreign Funding
The police found some documents that raised suspicion of foreign funding to the madrasa. The madrasa’s bank accounts will be audited to determine the source of the funds. Since the madrasa and college have been running in the same campus for a long time, both the Madrasa Board and the UP Board have initiated investigations. SP City Kumar Ranvijay Singh stated that a detailed investigation is underway, and cooperation has been sought from the concerned departments.
Accused Sent to Jail
In the case of demanding a virginity certificate from the student, Admission Cell In-charge Mohammad Shahjahan was arrested and presented in court, after which he was sent to jail. The search for Principal Rahnuma and other accused individuals is ongoing.
The student’s father had filed a complaint against the madrasa. He stated that in 2024, he had admitted his daughter to the seventh grade. While seeking admission to the eighth grade, the principal and Shahjahan allegedly collected ₹35,000 and then demanded a virginity certificate. When the medical report was not provided, the student and her mother were allegedly mistreated and pushed out.
Police Recovered the TC Form
During the investigation, the police recovered the student’s Transfer Certificate (TC) form, in which she had detailed the entire incident. This form has now become part of the case. The father’s complaint only mentioned the medical report, but the TC form strengthened the case further.
Officials Examine Madrasa Documents
On Saturday, SDM Sadar Dr. Rammohan Meena, District Minority Welfare Officer Dilip Kumar, and District Education Inspector Devendra Kumar Pandey inspected the madrasa’s documents and questioned the staff. The principal was on leave, and Shahjahan is in jail. Documents related to recognition from the UP Board and Madrasa Board were also checked. The investigation team will return to the madrasa on Monday, and the report will be submitted to higher authorities.
Demand for Fair Investigation and Strict Action
SP leader Ruchivira has demanded a fair investigation in the matter, stating that no action should be taken against innocent individuals. Meanwhile, Jogendra Pal Singh, office-bearer of the National Educational Federation of Uttar Pradesh, demanded strict action against those who demanded a virginity certificate from the student. He said such incidents are reprehensible and serious steps are needed to ensure the safety of girls.
