Karnataka: Bidar College Principal Booked After Student Allegedly Stopped From Raising ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ Slogans

An FIR has been registered against Abdul Hakeem, principal of Shaheen PU College in Chitguppa town, Bidar district, following a complaint alleging that a student was threatened for raising patriotic slogans during the Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

The incident reportedly came to light after the student's father, Hiroba Gowli, filed a complaint with the police.

What Does the Complaint Allege?

According to the complaint, Gowli's son, Sagar Gowli, raised the slogans “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” after the national flag was hoisted during the Independence Day programme at the college.

The complaint alleges that the principal subsequently warned the student against raising the slogans again. It further claims that the principal said the slogans were associated with a particular religious community and that such slogans would not be permitted on the college campus.

The allegations have not been independently established.

Allegations of Hindu-Muslim Division

The complaint also alleges that the principal discriminated between Hindu and Muslim students and attempted to create divisions within the student community.

It stated that students from both communities study at Shaheen PU College and alleged that the principal's actions could affect the communal harmony on the campus.

FIR Registered at Chitguppa Police Station

Police have registered an FIR at Chitguppa police station based on the allegations. Further investigation into the complaint is underway.

Following the incident, members of Hindu organisations staged a protest outside Shaheen PU College, where they confronted the principal and condemned the alleged conduct.

The case has sparked a wider debate over patriotic slogans, freedom of expression on college campuses and communal harmony in educational institutions.

Police are expected to examine the complaint and statements of those present during the Independence Day programme as part of the investigation.