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A disturbing incident has unfolded at the Hilton Convent School in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, where a five-year-old nursery student was allegedly expelled by the principal for bringing non-vegetarian food to class. This incident, which occurred on Teachers’ Day, has ignited widespread outrage and controversy, with a video of the heated exchange between the principal and the student’s mother going viral on social media. The video, circulating widely, captures the principal accusing the student of persistently bringing non-vegetarian food and making divisive religious statements, claims that have been vehemently denied by the student's mother.
The principal's accusations were particularly alarming. He alleged that the child, a Muslim, was attempting to convert his classmates to Islam by feeding them non-vegetarian food, and further accused him of wanting to destroy Hindu temples. The student's mother, however, countered these claims, stating that her child had been expressing concerns about religious conflicts within the classroom for the past three months, insinuating that the principal's teaching might be influencing the child's views. The principal, in response, blamed the mother for the child's alleged actions, a claim that further escalated the situation.
The viral video triggered a swift response from the Amroha Muslim Committee, demanding the principal's immediate arrest and the suspension of the school's affiliation. The Basic Education Officer in Amroha, recognizing the seriousness of the matter, swiftly constituted a team of principals from three government schools to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. This investigation team is expected to submit its findings within three days, after which appropriate action will be taken based on the report.
The District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), VP Singh, has also weighed in on the matter. He confirmed that the boy's mother had filed a complaint alleging that her son had been physically assaulted by the principal and labeled a religious fundamentalist. She also alleged that the principal had removed her son's name from the school register and told her not to send him back. The DIOS has ordered a time-bound inquiry and assured that action will be taken based on the report.
The Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Monica Kumari has also emphasized that “strict action” will be taken against the principal if the investigation finds him guilty of the allegations. The principal, however, has vehemently denied all accusations, maintaining that he did not physically assault the child and that the boy was merely confined to the computer room under supervision. He claimed the boy had damaged a temple on the school campus and offered biryani to his classmates, which had caused objections from other parents. He stated that he had called a parent-teacher meeting, but the boy's mother accused him instead.
This incident has raised significant concerns about the potential for religious intolerance and discrimination within educational institutions. It is imperative that a thorough and impartial investigation is conducted to uncover the truth behind the allegations and hold those responsible accountable. The outcome of this investigation will be crucial in ensuring that educational institutions in India remain safe, inclusive, and free from prejudice and discrimination.
Source: WATCH: UP school principal faces backlash after ‘suspending’ student over non-veg food in tiffin