Silchar : A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Assam Police from Guwahati has launched a detailed probe at NIT Silchar over allegations of a nexus involving Bangladeshi students and faculty members in promoting radical Islamic ideology, collecting foreign donations for mosque construction, and facilitating religious activities inside hostels.

For the past two days, the SIT has been camping on the NIT campus, questioning five professors and an office staff member suspected of links to the alleged network. The investigation began after a controversial photograph surfaced showing a Bangladeshi student handing over an envelope filled with cash to a professor — allegedly as a donation for mosque construction — in what appears to be a violation of India’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

According to police sources, the student in question, Mohammad Mirajul Islam Sayem, hails from Khulna district in Bangladesh and arrived at NIT Silchar in 2020 under the ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarship to study Civil Engineering. During his stay, Sayem allegedly built a network among Bangladeshi and Indian Muslim students to promote radical ideology.

Before leaving India in 2024 after completing his B.Tech, Sayem is reported to have handed over a substantial amount of foreign cash for mosque construction in the presence of five professors.

Those reportedly under investigation include:

1. Dr. Abdul Karim Barbhuiya, Professor of Civil Engineering, former Registrar and Academic Dean.
2. Dr. Mokddis Ali Ahmed, Professor and Head of Civil Engineering, and former Dean of Planning & Development.
3. Dr. Md. Ahmaruzzaman, former Head of the Department of Chemistry.
4. Dr. Monowar Hossain, Professor, Civil Engineering.
5. Musharaf Hossain Barbhuiya, office staff, said to be a close associate of Sayem.

In addition, Wasim Arif, Associate Professor of Electronics and Communication Engineering, is alleged to have arranged prayer facilities inside Boys’ Hostel 9C and Hostel 8, and facilitated halal meat distribution for Muslim students.

The controversy intensified after five Bangladeshi students were recently expelled from NIT Silchar for alleged drug use and indiscipline. One of the expelled students later lodged a complaint with the Assam Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), attaching the photograph showing the financial transaction between Sayem and the professors. The complainant questioned why Sayem was not penalised while others were expelled for lesser offences.

Following the complaint, Cachar Police initiated a preliminary probe. Acting on the instructions of Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta, Additional SP Subrata Sen conducted a raid at NIT Silchar on October 8 and summoned several accused professors for questioning.

Given the sensitivity of the issue, a Special Investigation Team from Guwahati later took over the case. The SIT has since been interrogating the professors and examining possible violations of the FCRA and other laws related to foreign funding and campus security.

Sources said the team is also looking into allegations of organised religious activities within campus hostels. The SIT is expected to continue its investigation for the next few days, with more faculty and students likely to be questioned.

Police officials have declined to comment on the progress of the probe, citing its sensitive nature, but confirmed that the investigation is being closely monitored by senior officers from the state headquarters.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally