In UP’s Bahraich’s Payagpur subdivision, 40 minor girls aged 9–14 were found locked inside a bathroom at an illegal madrasa on Wednesday evening. The rescue came during a raid led by SDM Ashwani Pandey, accompanied by police personnel, including women constables.

Villagers had long suspected suspicious activities at the madrassa in the Pehalwara area, and several complaints had been filed. During the raid, the madrassa operator, Khalil Ahmad, initially tried to block entry, but the police intervened and began a thorough search.

"On checking the third floor, we found 40 minor girls confined inside a bathroom," said SDM Pandey. The girls were immediately rescued with the help of women police personnel and handed over to the authorities. Parents of the girls are being contacted to confirm whether they were enrolled at the madrassa or kept there for other purposes.

The district minority welfare officer, Mohammad Khalid, confirmed that around 495 unrecognised madrassas are operating in the district. A detailed report on the incident has been sent to the state government. Khalil Ahmad reportedly fled after the raid.

Khalil’s daughter, Fatima, denied the allegations, claiming the premises were a coaching centre, not a madrassa. She also said that after the raid, all rescued girls were taken away by their parents.The incident has fueled outrage in the area. Residents questioned the sudden rise in the wealth of Khalil, who, a decade ago, ran a small shoe shop but now owns a three-storey building and 24 shops.

Some villagers also drew parallels with Utraula’s Chhangur Baba episode, demanding an ED probe into the madrassa’s financial activities. SDM Pandey confirmed that a comprehensive report has been submitted to the district magistrate. He added that further action, including the possibility of an ED investigation, will depend on directives from higher authorities.