In a startling discovery, authorities found 40 minor girls, ranging in age from nine to fourteen, locked inside a toilet at an unregistered madrassa. The incident occurred during an inspection in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday.
Officials received multiple complaints regarding the operation of an illegal madrassa housed in a three-story building in Pahalwara village. When the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Payagpur, Ashwini Kumar Pandey, along with police personnel, attempted to inspect the premises, the madrassa operators reportedly tried to obstruct their access to the upper floors.
Upon gaining entry, officers found a locked toilet on the terrace. After female police personnel opened the door, the 40 girls emerged from inside, appearing frightened and unable to provide clear explanations.
The District Minority Welfare Officer, Mohammad Khalid, has been tasked with verifying the madrassa’s registration and legal status. Locals reported that the institution had been operating for approximately three years without being registered. Khalid noted that while 495 unregistered madrassas were identified in Bahraich during a survey last year, this particular one seemingly evaded the notice of the survey team.
The Uttar Pradesh government is reportedly working on a new regulatory framework for such madrassas. While some unregistered institutions were sealed last year, their management secured stays from the High Court.
When questioned about the girls being found in the toilet despite the madrassa having eight rooms, a teacher named Takseem Fatima stated that the girls panicked amid the commotion and locked themselves inside. Madrassa records are currently under examination, and an order has been issued to shut down the institution. The management has been directed to ensure the girls are safely returned to their homes, and it is understood that all have since been reunited with their families. No First Information Report (FIR) has been registered yet, as no formal complaint has been filed by the parents, the SDM, or the minority welfare officer. Appropriate legal action will be taken if a complaint is received.