The Uttar Pradesh police have registered an FIR against two school officials, including the headmaster, following allegations that Hindu students at a government school in the Sambhal district were compelled to take part in what has been described as Islamic religious activities. The action was prompted by purported videos and photographs circulating on social media, which showed girls from another community wearing hijabs and boys in skull caps.
Investigation and Suspension
The district administration has constituted a three-member panel, led by the chief development officer (CDO), to investigate the matter. Meanwhile, the two teachers, along with the acting headmaster, Balesh Kumar, have been suspended. Kumar, who was serving as headmaster while the regular headmaster was on medical leave, has not been named in the FIR.
Additional Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Singh stated, "We received a complaint in this matter from the block education officer. The case was filed at Nakhasa police station on Sunday against headmaster Anzar Ahmad and teacher Mohammad Gul Ejaz under sections 353(2) (promoting religious enmity, hatred) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the BNS."
Allegations and Denials
According to the FIR accessed by the Times of India, the complainant, education officer Anshul Kumar, alleged that religious practices were imposed in the school, hurting the sentiments of students. However, several students and teachers have denied these allegations.
Class 8 student Rajnandini said, "No one was put under pressure to wear the hijab, and all religions are respected in the school." Another student, Mansha Devi, from the same class, mentioned that different prayers were conducted on different days, along with secular hymns. Class 3 student Aamir, who was seen wearing a skull cap in one of the photographs, claimed the image was a year old and that he wore it voluntarily. Teacher Anwar Khan also denied any wrongdoing, stating that the school regularly conducts the national anthem and prayers as part of routine.
Headmaster's Response
Refuting all allegations, headmaster Anzar Ahmad said, "This is nothing but a conspiracy. Someone is trying to defame the school and our locality. I am open to any kind of probe."
Official Action
According to an official statement released by the Basic Shiksha Adhikari office in Sambhal, three officers from the education department 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 the CDO to probe it further."
(With inputs from Asif Ansari)
