Radical Islamic Network Exposed at NIT Silchar
SIT probes Bangladeshi students and faculty allegedly promoting Islamic ideology, collecting foreign funds for mosque construction.
GG News Bureau
Silchar, 24th Oct: A nexus of radical elements promoting Islamic ideology has been exposed at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar in southern Assam, Assam police said on Friday. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing links between Bangladeshi students and certain Muslim faculty members allegedly promoting radical ideology, collecting foreign funds to construct a mosque, and carrying out religious activities inside hostels.
The SIT conducted a four-day investigation starting October 20 on the institute premises, questioning five faculty members allegedly connected to the network. The probe was triggered after objectionable photographs surfaced on social media showing Bangladeshi students handing over cash to faculty members for mosque construction, a violation of India’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
Md. Mirajul Islam Sayem, a Bangladeshi national and NIT Silchar student from 2020 to 2024 under the ICCR scholarship, is at the center of the controversy. According to police, Mirajul created a radical network among Muslim students during his stay. Before leaving the institute, he allegedly handed over a large sum of cash to five faculty members to continue his mission.
The SIT questioned faculty members Dr. Abdul Karim Birbhuyan, Dr. Mukddis Ali Ahmed, Md. Ahmaru Zzaman, Dr. Monowar Hussain, and office staff Musharaf Hussain Birbhuyan. Another faculty member, Wasim Arif, reportedly facilitated Namaz facilities inside Hostel No. 8 and arranged Halal meat for students.
The controversy surfaced after five Bangladeshi students were suspended for violent behavior and drug use. Following this, Cachar police raided institute hostels and questioned several Bangladeshi students. Due to the sensitivity of the matter, the case was handed over to the SIT.
Authorities highlighted that Bangladeshi students under ICCR scholarships have on multiple occasions been linked to anti-India activities.
In August 2024, female student Maisha Mahjabin was deported for anti-India involvement, and another student, Sadat Hossain Alphi, posted anti-Indian content after completing his course. Currently, around 70 Bangladeshi students are studying at NIT Silchar under ICCR scholarships.
The SIT investigation continues as authorities work to ascertain the full extent of the network and any violations of Indian law.
