In a recent case that has garnered significant attention, Parvez Ahmed, also known as Farvez, a 55-year-old native of Uttar Pradesh who had been residing in Mumbai, was arrested for his involvement in aiding the illegal entry and residency of four Pakistani nationals in India. The Jigani Police reported that Ahmed was apprehended near Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) railway station in the Majestic area of Bengaluru on 5th October. The police also mentioned that he had been helping these Pakistani nationals settle in both Delhi and Bengaluru. Some reports suggest that Ahmed was caught near Yeshwanthapura railway station instead, yet all agree on the severity of his actions.

Ahmed, a member of Mehdi Foundation International (MFI), played a critical role in providing the Pakistani nationals with fake identity documents, including Indian passports, voter IDs, and Aadhaar cards. The initial investigation uncovered that Ahmed had helped at least five families from Pakistan relocate to India while posing as Hindus to avoid scrutiny. Authorities believe that he may have assisted more foreign nationals in settling in other cities, such as Delhi and Mumbai.

Jigani police inspector BS Manjunath confirmed, “The accused is also a member of Mehdi Foundation India and had been helping others stay in India by creating fake documents.” The charges against Ahmed are serious, as he faces allegations of forgery and creating fraudulent documents with the intent to deceive, as outlined under Section 464 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

“He was produced before the additional chief metropolitan magistrate (ACMM) court. The total number of arrests of Pakistani nationals now stands at 10, and we are investigating other infiltrators,” one official added. This arrest is a part of an ongoing investigation into a larger network of illegal immigration, with authorities suspecting that more infiltrators might have entered India using illicit methods. These individuals, like those already apprehended, have managed to acquire crucial Indian identity credentials such as passports, PAN cards, and Aadhaar cards through fraudulent means.

In another crucial breakthrough, the Jigani police arrested Syed Tariq (53), also known as Chouhan, along with his wife Anila Tariq (48), alias Deepali Chouhan, and their 17-year-old daughter from Nelagadaranahalli on 3rd October. This arrest follows the discovery of an extensive network aiding illegal immigration into India. According to reports, Parvez Ahmed had assisted the Tariq family in securing fake identity documents, helping them stay in the country under Hindu names. Ahmed is believed to have gathered information about Pakistani nationals looking to relocate to India through his connections with members of Mehdi Foundation International (MFI) abroad.

A senior police official revealed that authorities are currently questioning Ahmed about the role of MFI in providing financial and logistical support to Pakistani nationals living illegally in India. Investigators are striving to uncover the full scope of this operation and understand the involvement of foreign links in the case. The police are also focusing on how deep the connections between these illegal migrants and MFI members go.

The investigation took a dramatic turn following the arrest of Pakistani preacher Rashid Ali Siddiqui (48), also known as Siddakki and Shankar Sharma, along with his Bangladeshi wife Ayesha (38), alias Asha Rani, and her parents Hanif Mohammed (73), alias Ram Babu Sharma, and Rubina (61), also going by Asha Rani. The family, living under the fake “Sharma” name, was captured on 29th September in Rajapura village near Jigani. Like Ahmed, Siddiqui also has ties to Mehdi Foundation International, which seems to be at the center of this sprawling network.

The arrest of Siddiqui and his family led police to Syed Tariq and his family. According to investigators, the Tariq family initially moved to Kochi in 2015 after a brief stay in Davangere. They resided in Davangere for about four months before moving to Bengaluru in 2019, where they have since been living in Peenya. Police further disclosed that Mehdi Foundation International not only provided the Tariq family with shelter but also offered significant financial support, even more than what Siddiqui’s family received.

A police source elaborated, “We are examining the family’s bank transactions, focusing on how the money was used.” Authorities are working to understand the financial dynamics of this case, including why the Tariq family received such substantial funds from MFI. Investigators are also analyzing both families’ spending patterns to identify potential motives behind this arrangement. To aid the investigation, forensic experts are examining electronic devices and documents seized from the residence of Syed Tariq. These materials have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), where specialists are working to retrieve critical information that could shed light on the case.

How Siddiqui Landed in India

According to a report by the Indian Express, during questioning, Rashid Ali Siddiqui admitted that both he and his family hailed from Pakistan. He revealed that his wife and her family were originally from Lahore, while he was from Liaquatabad in Karachi. Siddiqui further shared that he was virtually married to his wife, Ayesha, in 2011, while she was living in Bangladesh with her parents. Due to religious persecution in Pakistan, Siddiqui had to flee to Bangladesh, where he worked as a preacher. His financial needs were supported by Mehdi Foundation International, according to the First Information Report.

However, Siddiqui's time in Bangladesh was not without danger. In 2014, he reportedly faced several attacks, forcing him to seek assistance from Parvez Ahmed, a member of the Mehdi Foundation in India. Through this connection, Siddiqui, his wife, in-laws, and relatives entered India illegally. With the help of intermediaries, they traveled from Bangladesh to India via West Bengal’s Malda, a known route for such crossings.

After arriving in India, Siddiqui eventually made his way to Bengaluru in 2018. This move was influenced by a request from Wasim and Altaf, two locals who invited him to preach in the city while he was on a visit to Nepal. The Mehdi Foundation continued to support Siddiqui's activities, especially his preaching on Alra TV, a platform he used for his religious broadcasts. While Altaf took care of the rent, Siddiqui also sold food items and supplied oils to garages as a way to support himself and his family.

Siddiqui’s wife’s family, including his in-laws, became more integrated into life in Bengaluru, even going so far as to open bank accounts under their assumed Hindu identities. During his interrogation, Siddiqui confessed to police that he had been sent to Bengaluru to “promote religious teachings of his leader” as instructed by his “handlers” from Bangladesh. This revelation sheds light on the depth of the network that had facilitated the family's illegal stay and religious activities in India.

What the Police Said

A police official shared the latest update on the case, stating, "Our Jigani Inspector investigated a matter and registered a case. Four people of a family were residing here illegally with the help of fraudulent documents. Now, a case has been registered and those four people are being interrogated. Based on the outcome of the interrogation, we will take further action." The authorities have confirmed that this family had obtained fake documents and had been living in India for the past six years, renting an apartment in Jigani during this time.

The investigation revealed that the family had acquired counterfeit driving licenses, passports, and Aadhaar cards under the false identity of the "Sharma" family. Initially, they had settled in Delhi, where Rashid Ali Siddiqui delivered sermons on behalf of Mehdi Foundation International. As per the police's ongoing inquiries, this illegal stay was facilitated through the network that helped them secure fraudulent identification papers.

One of the police officers further explained, "We have collected details about them and are investigating the case. They were supplying materials to a garage but that needs to be investigated." This statement suggests that their activities extended beyond religious preaching and may have involved some form of business dealings in the city, raising suspicions about their deeper intentions in India.

There are also concerns that Siddiqui might have been connected to a larger operation. During his interrogation, Siddiqui admitted, "After coming here, I used to call my relatives in Pakistan," a detail that points toward potential communication with individuals back in Pakistan, possibly indicating links to a sleeper cell or other suspicious activities. This admission has prompted law enforcement to dig deeper into his contacts and connections, both locally and internationally.

A case has been filed against the family under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 468 (forgery committed with the intent to deceive), Section 471 (using a forged document or electronic record as real), and Section 420 (cheating). Additionally, charges have been pressed under the Passport Act due to the fake passports they held.

The entire operation came to light after immigration officers apprehended Mohammed Yasin, his wife Zainab Noor, Altaf Ahmed, and his wife Fathima Gohar. These individuals had traveled to Bangladesh to meet their religious leader and were intercepted upon their return to India via Chennai. This arrest led to the unearthing of a broader network of illegal immigrants living in India under assumed identities, raising concerns about the security threats such operations may pose.

What is Mehdi Foundation International?

Mehdi/Messiah Foundation International (MFI), previously known as RAGS International, was founded in 1980 by Pakistani “spiritual” leader and author Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi, a fifth-generation descendant of the Sufi saint Baba Gohar Ali Shah. The organization claims to represent a synthesis of the prophecies from several major religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and the Dharmic faiths. Its aim is to serve as a syncretic organization that bridges different spiritual beliefs through its founder’s teachings.

Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi, who is portrayed as the central figure of MFI, is seen by his followers as the Messianic figure predicted by various faiths. He is referred to as Mehdi in Islam, Messiah in Christianity and Judaism, and the Kalki Avatar in Hinduism. He is also commonly referred to as the "Awaited One" in other religious traditions. Under this spiritual guise, MFI not only promotes itself as an interfaith organization but is also accused of facilitating illegal infiltration into countries like India and helping its followers acquire fraudulent documents to remain undetected.

The foundation’s co-founder, Younus AlGohar, met Shahi in 1983 and became his disciple. In 2002, Younus AlGohar formally co-established MFI, and today he serves as the organization's head. MFI also operates alongside a sister organization called the Kalki Avatar Foundation, both of which work under the same spiritual and philosophical banner. AlGohar presents himself as an advocate for religious harmony and peace, emphasizing the rejection of religious fanaticism in favor of universal love.

The official website of MFI highlights this philosophy, with its homepage featuring the words: “Mehdi Foundation International: promotion of divine love and universal peace”. The page is adorned with symbols representing various world religions and prominently features the image of Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi. The foundation’s messaging is crafted to appeal to a broad audience across religious and cultural backgrounds.

A statement on the MFI website reads: “Mehdi/Messiah Foundation International and its sister organisation, Kalki Avatar Foundation, are interfaith, non-religious, spiritual organisations. Previously known as RAGS International (founded by His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi in 1980), MFI was formally established in 2002 by His Holiness Younus AlGohar under the guidance of His Divine Eminence.” This text makes clear the organization’s intention to unite followers of different faiths under the teachings of Shahi, while maintaining a facade of promoting peace and spiritual enlightenment.

The website also claims that members of MFI come from various religious backgrounds, and the bond that unites them is the “divine love and miraculous Doctrine of His Divine Eminence Lord Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi.” According to the foundation, this bond transcends all religious and cultural barriers, helping people to unite under a common spiritual cause. They assert that their mission is to foster “widespread divine love and global peace”, with members from all walks of life working under the organization’s direction and guidance.

The Mehdi Foundation International (MFI) describes itself with lofty, poetic phrases such as "a cool breeze" and "a candle of love amid stormy hatred and a torch of spirituality in the wilderness of materialism." The organization further elaborates, stating, "It does not surprise us when people become puzzled to see our members propagating divine love, respecting humanity, embracing the Jews, the Muslims, the Christians, the Hindus, the Sikhs and all other religions to be their spiritual brethren, but that is the Miraculous Goharian Doctrine." Through this rhetoric, MFI attempts to position itself as a unique spiritual force, spreading love and unity across religious boundaries.

Despite these claims, the organization also promotes Sufism as a way to "deradicalise" Muslims, which adds a different dimension to its proclaimed neutrality towards religions. However, it is worth noting that Sufism in India has had its share of controversy. One of the most notorious incidents tied to Sufism was the Ajmer rape case of 1992, where the caretakers of a prominent dargah (shrine) were implicated in a horrendous crime. This dark chapter casts a shadow on MFI's embrace of Sufism as part of its mission, especially in India.

Founded in London, where its headquarters remain, Mehdi Foundation International has expanded its global reach with centers in countries such as Canada, USA, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Japan, Australia, India, Greece, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The organization has also launched another website, mehdifoundation.com, which is accessible in multiple languages, including Hindi and Urdu, and promotes similar ideologies to its primary platform.

MFI runs a popular YouTube channel, Alra TV, which has gained nearly 1.5 million subscribers. The channel also enjoys a following of over 96 thousand on Facebook. This online presence has helped the foundation to reach a wider audience, and Rashid Ali Siddiqui, a key figure in the illegal immigration case, was notably employed by Alra TV as a preacher. Alra TV is a core component of MFI’s outreach efforts, pushing its narrative of spiritual harmony and divine love.

Interestingly, while the organization portrays itself as secular and against extremism, it has been criticized for showing an affinity towards controversial figures such as Tipu Sultan, the former ruler of Mysore (now Mysuru). Tipu Sultan is a divisive historical figure, known for his massacres of Hindu communities during his reign. MFI’s Mysore branch, through its Alra TV Facebook page, posted an image of a yellow shirt branded with "Alra TV YouTube Spiritual Channel" in 2019. The post was captioned, "Alra TV Yellow t-shirts of MFI Mysore, Tipu Tigers," accompanied by a smiling emoticon, which appeared to hint at the organization's admiration for the Islamic ruler.

Adding to MFI’s controversies, its co-founder and current leader, Younus AlGohar, has faced legal trouble. In 2013, he was found guilty of benefit fraud. AlGohar pleaded guilty to 11 out of 12 charges under the Social Security Administration Act 1992 in the UK. He was fined £6000 and sentenced to 240 hours of community service for his fraudulent actions. This legal issue casts doubt on the integrity of MFI’s leadership, further complicating its public image.

Opposition to Mehdi Foundation International

The Mehdi Foundation International (MFI) has encountered significant opposition and protests across multiple Muslim-majority countries, particularly in Pakistan. Both Gohar Shahi and Younus AlGohar have been the targets of numerous life-threatening attacks, one of the most notable being an attempt involving a petrol bomb thrown into AlGohar’s Manchester residence in the United Kingdom, where Shahi was staying while on tour. In 2001, Shahi mysteriously disappeared from the public eye, leading to speculation about his fate. Additionally, Shahi's second organization, Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam, was reportedly shut down and officially outlawed in Pakistan by 2011.

One of the most controversial aspects of Shahi’s teachings is his claim of having had a meeting with Jesus Christ in 1997. According to Mehdi Foundation International, Shahi also claims to be the Messiah, the Mahdi, and the Kalki Avatar, figures that hold immense significance in Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism respectively. These statements are a major factor behind the fierce opposition MFI faces, particularly in Islamic countries where such claims are seen as outright blasphemy. Within the Abrahamic religions, and especially Islam, assertions of being the prophesied Messiah or Mahdi are deeply offensive and considered a violation of religious doctrines.

The backlash against MFI has led to serious consequences for some of its key members. Amjad Gohar, who serves as Mehdi Foundation International’s President (International) and is a Pakistani national, currently seeks asylum in the United Kingdom. He is facing around twelve blasphemy charges in Pakistan due to the foundation's controversial teachings. Gohar explained in an interview with The Indian Express, “The teachings of religious harmony and peace are now not acceptable in Pakistan society as the clerics consider it as blasphemy. What we preach is very similar to the idea of India where it accepts and respects all religions.” This statement reflects the organization’s perspective on the resistance it faces, attributing the hostility to a rigid religious orthodoxy that is intolerant of their syncretic and interfaith approach.

Responding to the recent arrest of Rashid Ali Siddiqui and his family, Amjad Gohar expressed his concern for their safety, especially if they were to be deported back to Pakistan. He said, “I have come to know about the arrests and we do not support those who break the law. But also, one has to understand that the members have fled Pakistan only when it became very hard for them to survive. I would request the Indian government not to deport them to Pakistan as they would be killed. They should allow them to live in India or help them till they find a country to stay.” Gohar’s plea highlights the difficult circumstances that many MFI members face, seeking refuge from persecution in Pakistan due to their religious beliefs and affiliations with the organization.