FIR against headmaster, teacher over ‘forced Islamic practices’ in govt school

Meerut: UP police have registered an FIR against two school officials, including the headmaster, over allegations that Hindu students at a govt school in Sambhal district were forced to take part in “Islamic religious activities”. Action followed purported videos and photos on social media showing girls from another community wearing hijabs and boys in skull caps. The district administration has formed a three-member panel headed by the chief development officer (CDO) to investigate the matter while the two teachers, along with acting headmaster, Balesh Kumar, have been put under suspension. Kumar, who was in-charge as the headmaster was on medical leave, has not been named in the FIR.Additional SP Kuldeep Singh said, “We received a complaint in this matter from the block education officer. The case was filed at Nakhasa police station on Sunday against the headmaster Anzar Ahmad and teacher Mohammad Gul Ejaz under BNS sections 353(2) (promoting religious enmity, hatred) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy).”According to the FIR accessed by TOI, the complainant, education officer Anshul Kumar, has levelled allegations that religious practices were imposed in the school which were hurting sentiments.Several students and teachers, however, denied the allegations. Class 8 student Rajnandini said, “No one was put under pressure to wear hijab and all religions are respected in school.” Another student, Mansha Devi of the same class, said different prayers were conducted on different days, along with secular hymns. Class 3 student, Aamir, seen wearing a skull cap in one of the photos, claimed the image was a year old and that he wore it voluntarily. Teacher Anwar Khan also denied wrongdoing, stating that the school regularly conducts the national anthem and prayers routinely.Refuting all the allegations, headmaster Anzar Ahmad, said, “This is nothing but a conspiracy. Someone is trying to defame the school and our locality. I’m open to any kind of probe.”According to an official statement released by Basic Shiksha Adhikari office, Sambhal, three officers from the education department of Sambhal have been directed to prepare a detailed charge sheet against the accused, and submit it within seven days.Amid the conflicting claims, Sambhal district magistrate, Ankit Khandelwal, said, “As of now, the inquiry conducted by the BSA office appears to agree with the levelled allegations, but a team has been formed under CDO to probe it further.”(With inputs from Asif Ansari)