Urdu association slams suspension of three teachers

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Urdu Teachers Association (RUTA) voiced its opposition to the suspension of three government teachers over allegations related to religious conversions and love jihad on Saturday. The association condemned the suspensions, citing the absence of a departmental inquiry, which contravenes established service rules.Firoj Khan, Mirza Mujahid, and Shabana Khan, who were teaching at a government school in Kota district’s Sangod town, were suspended on February 24, following a memorandum by Sakal Hindu Samaj of Sangod. Ameen Kaimkhany, president of RUTA, expressed dismay over the suspensions, stating that action was taken solely based on a memorandum by a civilian group without following proper procedures. Kaimkhany emphasized that the education department has established norms to address cases of indiscipline during work, and the allegations should have been thoroughly investigated before any punitive action was taken.“The matter is highly sensitive as per the nature of the allegations. The education department should have recorded statements of the principal, other teachers, and students to ensure a fair inquiry process. It has been learned that no such inquiry was conducted,” said Kaimkhany. Responding to the allegations of absence of any inquiry, education minister Madan Dilwar stated, “We have prima facie evidence that they were involved in religious conversion activities in schools, which prompted their immediate suspension. A detailed inquiry into the allegations is underway, and if found true, they will face termination from their services”.