Bidar: An FIR has been registered against the principal of a Shaheen College in Chitguppa town of Bidar district following allegations that he threatened a pre-university student for raising the slogans “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” during an Independence Day programme.
The incident reportedly took place on August 15 during the Independence Day celebrations at the college. According to the complaint, after the national flag was hoisted, PU student Sagar Gouli raised slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”.
The student’s family alleged that, instead of allowing him to express his patriotic sentiments, college principal Abdul Hakeem objected to the slogans and allegedly warned him not to repeat them on campus.
According to the complaint lodged by Sagar’s father, Hiroba Gouli, the principal allegedly told the student that “Vande Mataram” was associated with a particular religious community and that such slogans would not be permitted on the college premises. The principal allegedly warned the student not to raise the slogan again.
The allegations have triggered controversy in Chitguppa, with the student’s family questioning why a student was allegedly threatened for raising slogans associated with national pride during an Independence Day celebration.
The family has also alleged that the principal’s conduct amounted to discrimination on religious grounds. They claimed that students belonging to different communities study at the institution and that the college administration should maintain an environment of equality and mutual respect.
Following the incident, Hiroba Gouli approached the Chitguppa police and submitted a complaint seeking action against the principal. Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR against Abdul Hakeem and began an investigation.
Police are expected to record statements from the student, his family members, college staff, and others present during the Independence Day programme. Investigators will also examine the circumstances under which the alleged warning was issued and whether the principal made the remarks attributed to him.
The controversy has also drawn the attention of Hindu organisations, whose activists have criticised the college administration and demanded strict action against the principal if the allegations prove true.
Members of the organisations questioned the alleged objection to “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” slogans at an Independence Day programme. They demanded that the authorities conduct a fair investigation and ensure that students are not subjected to threats or discrimination based on their religious identity.
The incident comes at a time when the use and singing of “Vande Mataram” has triggered political debate in Karnataka. Leaders from both the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP have discussed the issue, with different political groups taking contrasting positions on the song and its place in public and educational institutions.
Against this backdrop, the Bidar incident is likely to attract further political and public attention.
However, police officials have not yet established the allegations made by the student’s family as facts. The FIR marks the beginning of the investigation, and the exact circumstances surrounding the incident will have to be determined based on statements and other available evidence.
The college administration has not yet made a detailed public statement responding to the allegations against the principal.
The police investigation will also establish whether the alleged remarks were made during the Independence Day programme itself or subsequently, and whether any other students or staff members witnessed the incident.
The student’s family has sought appropriate legal action against the principal, alleging that the incident caused distress to the student and affected his dignity.
