Agencies
GUWAHATI, NOVEMBER 2
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Assam Police is on the trail of a village ‘herbal dentist’ who allegedly carried hawala money from Bangladesh to Simulia madrassa in West Bengal. The madrassa is believed to have imparted training in jihad.
Sahanur Alam, a ‘herbal dentist’ from Chotola in western Assam’s Barpeta district, is one of 12 persons the National Investigation Agency (NIA) wants in connection with the Burdwan blast.
On Friday, the agency announced a cash reward of Rs. 5 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
The other 11 carry Rs. 3-10 lakh on their heads.“During investigation, we found that hawala money generated in Bangladesh used to be routed through Assam. Sahanur probably used to carry the cash to the Simulia madrassa,” a senior police officer said, declining to be quoted.
Sahanur, son of a retired schoolteacher, went underground a month ago along with his wife and two children.
“We are looking for Sahanur. He is a self-styled dentist without a degree from any recognised institute,” director general of police, Assam, Khagen Sarma, said
on Saturday.
Barpeta superintendent of police Shilajeet Chetia said Sahanur said his team was hopeful about catching Sahanur soon.
Meanwhile, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi said his government has decided to hand over all cases related to jihadi activities in the state to the NIA.
The decision followed a law and order review meeting.
“We have to take all possible measures to foil the sinister designs of anti-national elements. We will not compromise on national security and national integrity,” Tarun Gogoi added.
