In a significant development in Uttar Pradesh, the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted a raid at the residence of a madrasa teacher in Azamgarh district over allegations that he continued to draw salary in India even after acquiring British citizenship.
The action was carried out at an alleged temporary residence in the Mubarakpur area. The accused, identified as Shamsul Huda Khan, is said to have obtained citizenship of the United Kingdom but allegedly continued to receive salary and related benefits from an Indian madrasa for several years.
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Officials maintained silence on the specifics of the operation, but sources confirmed that the search began early in the morning and continued for several hours. Documents, service records and financial details were reportedly examined as part of the ongoing probe.
Appointment and Citizenship Timeline
According to available information, Shamsul Huda Khan, a resident of Sant Kabir Nagar district, was appointed as an assistant teacher on July 12, 1984, at Darul Uloom Ahle Sunnat Madrasa Ashrafia Misbahul Uloom in Azamgarh.
In 2007, he reportedly moved to the United Kingdom and subsequently acquired British citizenship in 2013. The allegation under investigation is that despite becoming a foreign citizen, he continued to draw salary from the madrasa in India until July 31, 2017.
Authorities suspect that during this period, medical leave approvals were processed in his favour, allegedly enabling him to remain on payroll. It is estimated that approximately ₹16 lakh was received as salary during the disputed period.
Voluntary Retirement and Departmental Action
In 2017, Khan was reportedly granted voluntary retirement. However, after the matter surfaced, the state government is understood to have cancelled the recognition of the madrasa linked to the case.
Administrative action has also been taken against certain officials who were posted in Azamgarh during the relevant period. Some have faced suspension over allegations of facilitating or overlooking irregularities connected to the salary payments.
Investigators are now examining whether there was departmental collusion and whether procedures related to citizenship verification, service continuation and benefit disbursal were bypassed.
Wider Scrutiny
The case has triggered discussions in the region, especially amid heightened scrutiny of madrasa funding and regulatory compliance in Uttar Pradesh. Enforcement agencies are expected to analyse bank transactions, service registers and official correspondence to determine the flow of funds and accountability.
While no official statement has detailed potential charges, experts suggest that if irregularities are established, provisions related to fraud, misrepresentation and financial misconduct could be invoked.
As of now, the ED’s action remains part of an ongoing investigation. Further clarity is likely once authorities complete document verification and record statements from concerned officials.
The development has drawn considerable local attention, with residents closely watching the outcome of the probe.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
