Ghaziabad crackdown: UP govt seals illegal madrasas in Khoda under ‘Operation Clean Sweep’

Ghaziabad crackdown: UP govt seals unregistered madrasas in Khoda under 'Operation Clean Sweep’. (IANS)


The Uttar Pradesh government has intensified a sweeping enforcement drive in Ghaziabad’s Khoda region, sealing multiple unregistered madrasas as part of a wider crackdown launched after recent law-and-order concerns in the area. The operation, titled ‘Operation Clean Sweep’, is being carried out jointly by the district administration and police following directions to tighten surveillance, verify residents, and act against illegal activities.

The latest action comes amid heightened policing in Khoda after the murder of Class 11 student Surya Pratap Chauhan, an incident that triggered security checks across the locality.

Three madrasas sealed

During the ongoing operation, officials identified three madrasas allegedly functioning without registration from the Madrasa Board. Following verification, the administration sealed the institutions. District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar personally visited Khoda to review the enforcement exercise and monitor the progress of the campaign on the ground. He said, “The number of students studying there will be assessed, and they will be given the option of admission in the nearest government school or any other suitable school…”

Speaking during the inspection, DM Mandar said the drive was being conducted in line with recent instructions issued by the Chief Minister to strengthen action against criminal activities across Uttar Pradesh. He stated that the administration had carried out extensive checks involving properties, tenants, landlords and local occupants to identify irregularities and ensure compliance with legal norms.

 

Verification drive expanded

Officials said ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ has been designed as a multi-layered verification and enforcement campaign focused on crime prevention and surveillance in Khoda.

As part of the exercise, teams have been conducting door-to-door verification of individuals with criminal records and persons under suspicion. Authorities are also reviewing tenancy records and property details during the checks.

Police officials said identified offenders are being summoned to police stations and warned against future involvement in unlawful activities.

The administration is additionally examining cases linked to alleged financial irregularities and activities resulting in losses to government revenue, with further legal action expected after scrutiny.

To strengthen security in the area, authorities conducted an extensive flag march through different parts of Khoda during the campaign. Officials said the exercise was intended to reinforce public confidence and send a clear signal regarding strict action against criminal and illegal activities in the locality.

 

Murder case triggered intensified action

The intensified crackdown follows the killing of 17-year-old Surya Pratap Chauhan, a resident of Navneet Vihar Colony in Khoda. According to police, Surya sustained stab injuries during an altercation on May 28 and later died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Noida.

Police identified the main accused as Asad, who was later killed during a joint encounter operation carried out by teams from Khoda and Indirapuram police stations late on Saturday night.

Following the murder case, Ghaziabad Police launched an expanded verification and search operation across Khoda, leading to the ongoing enforcement campaign under ‘Operation Clean Sweep’.