On June 16, Principal Swarnalatha Peter of the Government Nursing College in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, ordered the removal of a Shivling from the campus following a dispute between two female students. The decision sparked protests from Hindu organizations and local officials.
छत्तीसगढ़ के जगदलपुर सरकारी नर्सिंग कॉलेज के गर्ल्स हॉस्टल के पास शिवलिंग है। हॉस्टल में छात्राओं के बीच विवाद होने पर प्रिंसिपल सुमालता पीटर ने वार्डन अर्सिया अली को आदेश देकर शिवलिंग फिंकवा दिया।
भला हो हिंदू संगठनों का कि उन्होंने दखल दिया और फिर पूजा-अर्चना शुरू हो पाई है। pic.twitter.com/azPPiW2Qdh
— अ स अजीत (@JhaAjitk) June 17, 2025
According to reports, the incident stemmed from ongoing religious harassment faced by a Hindu student from some Muslim classmates. Instead of addressing the harassment, Principal Peter removed the Shivling. When Hindu students objected, the principal initially refused to restore it, prompting several students to begin a hunger strike.
Under growing pressure from protesting students and with support from senior officials, the principal eventually reversed the decision and reinstated the Shivling.
The incident has reignited debates around religious tolerance, campus administration, and minority-majority dynamics in educational institutions. Many are now calling for an impartial investigation into the original allegations of harassment while also demanding clearer guidelines to prevent religious symbols from becoming flashpoints. The episode has drawn state-wide attention, with student groups and civil society urging authorities to ensure that such conflicts are addressed with sensitivity and fairness.
