Sitapur Madrasa Head Arrested on Rape Allegation; Medical Report Finds No Evidence of Assault
A shocking case has emerged from Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district where the head of a local madrasa has been arrested for allegedly raping a minor girl. However, medical reports have so far found no evidence to support the assault claim, prompting investigators to probe the case from multiple angles, including possible financial disputes.
According to police, the accused, identified as Maulana Irfan-ul-Qadiri, runs the Rizvia Gulshan-e-Fatima Madrasa in Mohalla Durgapurwa. The madrasa, which also operates as a hostel for nearly 40 girl students, was reportedly functioning on the upper floor of Qadiri’s residence.
The complaint was filed after a 16-year-old student from Lakhimpur Kheri alleged that Qadiri sexually assaulted her and threatened her with dire consequences if she spoke out. Acting on the complaint, police registered an FIR and launched a search operation, leading to Qadiri’s arrest within hours.
However, a senior police official confirmed on Tuesday that the medical examination of the survivor did not indicate signs of sexual assault. “The investigation remains ongoing. The survivor’s statement under Section 164 CrPC will be recorded before a magistrate, and all relevant details are being verified,” said Sitapur Superintendent of Police.
Preliminary inquiries have also revealed that the girl’s madrasa fees had been pending for almost two years, raising questions about a possible financial disagreement between her family and the accused cleric. Investigators are exploring whether this dispute could have influenced the complaint.
In addition, officials have discovered that the madrasa lacked proper authorisation to operate. The institution’s legal status is now under review as authorities begin to examine whether it met the required educational and safety standards for housing minors.
Police have assured that all leads—both criminal and administrative—are being examined thoroughly. “We are taking a fair and evidence-based approach. The case will proceed strictly according to the findings of the ongoing investigation,” an official added.
The case has sparked local concern and renewed calls for stricter oversight of unregistered educational and religious institutions across Uttar Pradesh.
