ISI Under Scanner Over Nepal Riots; Probe Tracks Foreign Funding From Pakistan, Turkey and Qatar

Nepal's intelligence agencies are investigating whether Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) played a covert role in the communal violence that erupted in Sunsari district near the India-Nepal border last month. A preliminary report submitted by Nepal's National Investigation Department (NID) to the Ministry of Home Affairs is examining alleged foreign funding networks and the activities of several foreign clerics in connection with the unrest.

The investigation comes as both Nepal and India closely monitor security developments along the open border, which has historically been vulnerable to cross-border criminal and extremist activities.

NID Investigates Suspected Foreign Funding Network

According to the preliminary intelligence report, investigators suspect illegal funds may have entered Nepal through networks allegedly linked to Pakistan, Turkey and Qatar.

Authorities are tracing financial transactions and examining whether overseas funding was used to influence events leading up to the communal clashes in Sunsari district.

Officials have emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing, and the findings are currently part of a preliminary intelligence assessment.

Pakistan-Origin Cleric Under Investigation

Investigators are also examining the role of Pakistan-origin cleric Mohammad Ilyas Ghuman, who reportedly stayed for several days at a mosque in Dewanganj before the violence.

According to the report, Ghuman was accompanied by Mufti Abu Bakr Qasmi, the Imam of Kathmandu's Jama Masjid. Authorities are reviewing meetings held with local clerics in several border districts to determine whether they had any connection with the subsequent unrest.

The intelligence report alleges that Ghuman has links to organisations that are banned in India. These claims are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been independently verified in court.

How the Nepal Violence Began

The communal violence began on July 26 in Kaptanganj, located in Nepal's Sunsari district bordering Bihar.

According to authorities, tensions escalated during separate religious events over disputes involving loudspeakers and religious flags. Police intervention and subsequent firing left at least one person dead, while more than a dozen people, including security personnel, sustained injuries.

The violence later spread to other districts in Nepal's southern Terai region, prompting heightened security measures.

Investigators Examine Sequence of Events

The NID report states that Islamic flags had been placed near a vacant plot associated with a Shiva temple during Muharram observances. Local residents had reportedly sought their removal before the clashes.

Investigators are also examining allegations that a group of Kanwariyas was attacked near a madrasa on the eve of a Shravan pilgrimage, triggering wider violence.

The report further identifies a local electricity department employee as having allegedly disconnected power supply in the area shortly before the incident. Authorities are investigating whether the power outage was connected to the violence.

Nine Bangladeshi Clerics Also Under Scrutiny

Apart from the Pakistan-origin cleric, Nepalese investigators are reviewing the movements of nine Bangladeshi clerics who reportedly arrived in Kathmandu on tourist visas before travelling to districts bordering India.

Officials are attempting to determine whether their visits had any connection to meetings held at local mosques and madrasas.

Nepal-India Border Security Concerns Resurface

The latest investigation has renewed concerns over Nepal's open border with India being exploited for activities affecting regional security.

Security agencies have cited several recent cases involving alleged ISI-linked networks, including arrests related to suspected espionage, arms trafficking and illegal SIM card supply operations.

Officials note that similar concerns emerged during the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Nepal was allegedly used as a transit point for anti-India operations.

Foreign Funding of Religious Institutions Under Scanner

Investigators are also reviewing foreign funding received by religious institutions operating in Nepal's border districts.

According to official estimates, around 911 mosques and madrasas are registered in districts adjoining India, while authorities believe nearly 3,000 institutions remain unregistered along the 1,751-kilometre open border.

The report states that investigators are examining funding allegedly originating from countries including Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Investigation Continues

Nepalese authorities are expected to expand the probe into financial networks, cross-border activities and the role of foreign individuals in the recent communal violence.

Both Nepalese and Indian security agencies continue to monitor developments as investigators work to establish whether any organised foreign involvement contributed to the unrest.