Minarets resembling those of mosques were recently constructed on the gates of a Government Urdu School in the Hazaribagh district, inciting strong condemnation from local Hindu organisations. The incident unfolded at the Government Primary Urdu School in Dumraun, located in the Ichak Taluka of Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand, where towering 35-foot tall minarets were installed on the school gates, igniting uproar within the community. Despite over 128 villagers lodging complaints at both the block and district levels, the education department has yet to take any action against the school principal responsible for the construction.
Established in 1976, the school currently accommodates 52 students. Construction on the two minarets at the school’s main entrance commenced late last month, with each minaret soaring to a height of approximately 35 feet. Public outcry intensified as local newspapers began reporting on the matter over the past 5-6 days.
The erection of these minarets has exacerbated communal tensions in the village. Villagers recollect that when objections were raised against the construction by locals, the Muslim individuals involved in the project halted work during daylight hours, only to resume construction under the cover of night.
On Sunday, February 25th, enraged local Hindus and members of organisations such as Bajrang Dal staged large-scale protests near the school premises, denouncing the attempt to confer a religious identity upon a government institution. Protestors demanded the immediate dismantling of the illegal structures and called for disciplinary action against school headmaster Naushad Alam. Expressing their discontent, villagers also submitted a formal application to the District Collector, asserting that any construction on school grounds without official authorisation is unjustifiable.
Contrary to these claims, local Muslims involved in erecting the minarets argue that the land in question is privately owned. They cite documents purportedly demonstrating that the government school stands on private property, affirming their right to construct religious structures. One local individual stated, “We have not formally transferred this property to the government, so we reserve the right to engage in religious activities here.”
In response to the escalating situation, Ichak Circle Officer Ramji Prasad conducted an on-site inspection and engaged with stakeholders. Prasad affirmed, “Prima facie, the construction appears illegal. An investigation report will be submitted to the relevant authorities.” The Block Education Officer of Ichak sought explanations from headmaster Naushad Alam and CRP Deepak Kulkarni, while also instructing the Block Education Extension Office to pursue legal action against them through the local police station.
Doman Mochi, the Block Shiksha Prasar Officer of Ichak, assured that the matter would be thoroughly investigated, emphasising that if the allegations are substantiated, the construction would be deemed unlawful.
Chohan Mahto, the Sarpanch of Dumraun village, expressed dismay over the lack of action taken by authorities despite prior complaints. He underscored the inappropriate nature of constructing religious symbols on school premises and voiced concerns about potential future disputes arising from the matter, urging swift intervention from the education department.
