The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has detained a 23-year-old Syrian national, Ali Medhat Alzaher, for allegedly posing as a Gaza war victim and soliciting donations from mosques across India. Investigators believe he is part of a larger group running a fundraising racket under false pretences.
Alzaher, a resident of Damascus, entered India on a tourist visa and travelled across several states before arriving in Ahmedabad, where he allegedly collected money by projecting himself as a displaced Gaza resident. Police said he admitted to using the funds for a “luxurious lifestyle”.
During questioning, he initially pretended to speak only Arabic and claimed chest injuries were battle wounds. Officials said he disclosed that several others from the group had also entered India but went underground after his detention.
The group is suspected to have gathered in Lebanon before travelling to India. Investigators are probing the money trail and the authenticity of passports of his alleged associates — Ahmed Ohed Alhabash, Zakaria Haitham Alzar and Youssef Khalid Alzahar.
Authorities have initiated deportation and blacklisting proceedings against Alzaher for visa violations. State and central agencies are jointly investigating possible diversion of funds to suspicious activities.