KENDRAPARA: At Jamia Ashraful Uloom Madrasa in Goudagopa village within Kendrapara town limits, the atmosphere is sombre. It is here where Abdul Rehman Kataki studied from 1990 to 1995 before going to Islamic University at Deobandi in Uttar Pradesh for higher studies.
While Rehman was arrested on Wednesday from Paschimkachha village, people of Kendrapara town, who knew him, are in a state of shock over his suspected Al Qaeda links.
Principal of Madrasa, Md Faroq Kasim, said Rehman came from a simple background with no record of any suspected activities. Kasim knew him as an Islamic scholar, who used to frequent the institution and other areas in Kendrapara town for giving religious discourse.
Even as police on Thursday started examining records of the institution, Kasim said the Madrasa does not get any Government grants and is managed by donations. There are 700 students from both Odisha and outside the State who study in the institution. Kasim said if Rehman’s links with Al Qaeda are found to be true, he should be punished.
Hipjur Rehman, who is the Ward councillor of Fakirabad village, said Rehman used to visit the Madrasa and spend time with children. “He was a good human being and it is difficult for us to accept that he has links with terror outfit,” he said.
Kendrapara ASP Ramesh Chandra Mohanty said police are examining the records of Jamia Ashraful Uloom Madrasa and verifying the addresses of all students who are currently studying in it. The cops have also sought details about teachers in the institution.
Kendrapara district has 13 Madrasas, which are offering education to 2,500 students. All these institutions are now under police scanner following Rehman’s arrest.