BIDAR: An FIR has been registered against the principal of Shaheen PU College in Chitguppa, Karnataka’s Bidar district, after a student’s father alleged that students were stopped and warned for raising “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” slogans following Independence Day celebrations at the college.The case was registered against principal Abdul Hakeem on a complaint by Hiroba Gowli, father of student Sagar Gowli, at Chitguppa Police Station, police said.According to the complaint, the college held Independence Day celebrations on August 15, including flag-hoisting and cultural programmes, followed by the National Anthem.The complaint alleged that some students raised slogans including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” immediately after the National Anthem.At around 10 am, as students were leaving the campus, the principal allegedly stopped them and warned them against raising such slogans on the college premises.The complaint further alleged that Hakeem told the students that the slogans belonged to a particular religious community and said such activities would not be permitted on the college campus.The complainant alleged that the principal discriminated between Hindu and Muslim students and acted in a manner that could create hostility among students and affect public peace.The complaint also alleged that one student was kept in a room for nearly an hour and subjected to mental harassment.Hiroba Gowli submitted the complaint at Chitguppa Police Station at around 7 pm on August 17, seeking legal action against the principal over the alleged discrimination and conduct that could foster hostility between communities.Based on the complaint, police registered Crime No. 97/2026 under Sections 126(2), 352 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).The allegations have also triggered protests outside the college and Chitguppa Police Station, with Hindu organisations demanding action against the principal.(With ANI inputs)
