A family of four Pakistani nationals was arrested on Sunday in the outskirts of Bengaluru, where they had been living under assumed identities for nearly a decade. The suspects—Rashid Ali Siddiqui (48), his wife Ayesha (38), and her parents Hanif Mohammed (73) and Rubina (61)—had adopted the names Shankar Sharma, Asha Rani, Ram Babu Sharma, and Rani Sharma.
The arrests followed intelligence inputs linked to two Pakistanis apprehended at Chennai International Airport. These individuals had arrived from Dhaka and were found with fake passports, prompting further investigation that revealed connections to Siddiqui’s family.
When police arrived to apprehend the family, they discovered the Siddiquis packing to leave. During questioning, Siddiqui, identifying himself as Sharma, claimed to have lived in Bengaluru since 2018 and presented Indian passports and Aadhaar cards reflecting Hindu names. However, investigators were surprised to find the phrase “MEHDI FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL JASHAN-E-YOUNUS” written on the wall of their home, along with photos of Islamic clerics.
Upon further interrogation, Siddiqui admitted that they were originally from Pakistan—he from Liaquatabad, Karachi, and Ayesha from Lahore. They revealed that they were forced to leave Pakistan due to persecution and married online in 2011 while Ayesha was in Bangladesh. After facing similar threats in Bangladesh, Siddiqui contacted a man named Parvez from the Mehdi Foundation in India and illegally entered India in 2014.
Siddiqui, along with his family members, crossed into India from Bangladesh through Malda in West Bengal, facilitated by agents. Initially residing in Delhi, they obtained fake Aadhaar cards, passports, and driving licenses under their new identity. Siddiqui preached on behalf of the Mehdi Foundation while also managing a business supplying oils to garages and selling food items.
A police case has been registered against the family under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery), and 471 (using a forged document), as well as under the Passport Act.
What is mehdi foundation international?
The Mehdi Foundation International promotes the teachings of Younus AlGohar, a spiritual teacher known for advocating Sufism and religious harmony. Despite its peaceful mission, the organization and its members have faced persecution in several Muslim countries, including Pakistan. The foundation aims to de-radicalize Muslim youth by promoting Sufism and runs Alra TV, a YouTube channel focused on these ideals.
Amjad Gohar, the president of Mehdi Foundation International, currently seeking asylum in the UK, stated, “We do not support those who break the law. However, it is crucial to understand that members fled Pakistan due to extreme hardship. I urge the Indian government not to deport them to Pakistan, as they would face severe consequences. Instead, they should be allowed to live in India or provided assistance in finding another country.” Amjad himself faces numerous blasphemy cases in Pakistan, highlighting the risks faced by those promoting religious harmony in a hostile environment.
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