40 girls were found hiding in a madrasa toilet in Bahraich, police were left in a state of shock after learning the entire incident

A shocking incident has emerged from Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district, leaving people shaken. During a surprise inspection of an illegal three-story madrasa in Pehlwara village, Payagpur tehsil, the administration and police team stumbled upon a scene that left everyone stunned.

40 minor girls found locked in toilet

A joint team of administration and police inspected a madrasa in Pehlwara village, Payagpur. When the team reached the upper floor of the madrasa, the toilet door was found locked. Female police officers opened the door, and approximately 40 minor girls emerged one by one. These girls ranged in age from approximately 9 to 14 years old. The girls were very frightened and were unable to provide any clear information to the inspection team. Administrative officials stated that the girls had hidden in the toilet out of fear.

Sudden action causing panic

Payagpur's Deputy District Magistrate, Ashwini Kumar Pandey, stated that the action was taken based on a complaint. Initially, the madrasa operators tried to prevent officials from entering. However, upon entering with the police force, they discovered the girls locked in a toilet on the roof. When the madrasa operators were asked why the girls were hidden in the toilet, teacher Takseem Fatima explained that the sudden inspection had created panic, and the girls had hidden in the toilet out of fear.

यूपी के बहराइच में चल रहे अवैध #मदरसे में मिली 40 लड़किया

दुकान की आड़ में चल रहे मदरसे में अंदर मिली लड़कियों को देख मचा हड़कंप

बहराइच के पयागपुर में जांच करने पहुंचे लेखपाल को मदरसा संचालकों ने रोका तब खुला राज

लेखपाल ने अधिकारियों और पुलिस को बुलाया तब खुला राज

नाबालिग… pic.twitter.com/JBcnMbPqQx

— Sudarshan उत्तर प्रदेश (@SudarshanNewsUp) September 25, 2025

Strong response from the administration

District Minority Welfare Officer Mohammad Khalid stated that an investigation into the madrasa's documents and activities has been initiated. Instructions have been issued to close the madrasa with immediate effect. The official stated that the madrasa was unrecognized, which is why it was closed. Arrangements are being made to send all the girls safely back to their homes. The administration is also investigating how the madrasa was operating without permission and the real reason for locking the girls in the toilet. The administration also clarified that if child rights have been violated in this case, strict action will be taken against those involved.

Police did not register a case

Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Ramanand Prasad Kushwaha said that no parent, sub-district magistrate, or minority welfare officer has yet submitted a complaint requesting an FIR. He clarified that if any complaint is received, the police will take necessary legal action.

Madrassa conditions and security lapses

The investigation also revealed that the madrasa was operating in a three-story building, and lacked adequate security and surveillance. The lack of mandatory safety measures for children further exacerbated the situation. Authorities stated that the lack of regular inspections of such madrasas could pose a risk to minors. The administration has now accelerated the process of identifying and closing all illegal and unrecognized madrasas.

Community and parental concerns

People in the village and surrounding areas are shocked by this incident. Many parents say that such madrasas pose a threat to the mental and physical health of children. They have demanded immediate and strict action from the administration. Social activists have also warned that incidents like locking girls in toilets are serious violations of child rights. They suggested that such madrasas should be regularly inspected and a safe environment for children should be ensured.

The government's next action

The district administration has clarified that further action will include:

• Legal action against the operators of the madrasa.
• To provide complete information and security to the parents of the children.
• Identifying illegal madrasas and shutting them down.
• Continuous monitoring for the protection of child rights.

The locking of minor girls in the toilet of this illegal madrasa in Pehlwara village, Bahraich, is not only a violation of child rights but also a warning to the administration and society. Such cases demonstrate the importance of following rules and monitoring children's safety. The administration immediately closed the madrasa and safely returned the girls to their homes. Now, all eyes are on what legal action will be taken against the operators in this case and what steps will be taken to ensure the safety of children in the future.

PC: Samacharnama