Bidar: The Karnataka police have registered an FIR against Shaheen PU College principal Abdul Hakeem following a complaint alleging that students were stopped and warned against raising “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” slogans after an Independence Day programme at the college in Chitaguppa on Thursday.
The FIR was registered based on a complaint filed by Hiroba Gouli, a resident of Talab Galli in Chitaguppa town. According to the complaint, Gouli’s son is a second-year Pre-University Course (PUC) student at Shaheen College.
The complaint stated that Independence Day was celebrated at the college as usual, with the national flag being hoisted and cultural programmes being held. After the programme, the complainant’s son and other students allegedly raised “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” slogans while leaving the college premises around 10 am.
According to the complaint, Principal Abdul Hakeem allegedly stopped the students and warned them against raising the slogans, stating that they were associated with a particular religion and should not be raised again on the college premises.
The complaint further alleged that one of the students was taken to a room and kept there for nearly an hour, during which he was subjected to mental harassment.
The complainant has alleged that the principal discriminated between Hindu and Muslim students and accused him of creating hostility between students of the two communities. He has sought action against the principal, alleging that his conduct could create communal divisions among students.
Based on the complaint, Chitaguppa police registered FIR against Abdul Hakeem under Sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 352 (intentional insult meant to provoke a breach of the public peace) and 353(2) (Promoting enmity or hatred between different communities or groups) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The allegations have triggered protests by Hindu organisations, which have demanded action against those responsible.
The Chitaguppa police have launched an investigation and are examining the allegations and circumstances surrounding the incident. Further investigation is underway.