Uttar Pradesh: Teacher asks students to slap Muslim boy in class, sparks row

A distressing incident unfolded at a private school in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, where a teacher was captured on video instructing schoolchildren to physically harm a boy. This action has sparked widespread indignation.

The local police have viewed the viral video and intend to request the Education Department to take appropriate measures against the teacher. The boy targeted by this incident is from the Muslim community. The police are probing whether the teacher’s actions were motivated by communal bias. Their investigation has confirmed the teacher’s use of divisive language in the video.

Superintendent of Police Satyanarayan Prajapat, in a video statement on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter), expressed, “We have acknowledged the circulating video wherein a female teacher is seen encouraging students to physically confront a fellow student due to their struggles with learning multiplication tables. We have also engaged with the school principal regarding the objectionable remarks in the video.”

Prajapat further elucidated, “The teacher commented that the mothers of Muslim children, who allegedly do not prioritize their children’s studies, are to blame for their academic setbacks. We have notified the basic education officer, and appropriate measures will be taken against the teacher.”

An organization advocating for child rights has also taken steps to ensure action is taken against the teacher.

The father of the boy involved stated to the media that he has opted not to press charges against the school, as they have reached an agreement with the school authorities. However, he revealed his decision to discontinue sending his child to this particular school. The school has refunded the fees, according to the boy’s father, who emphasized his desire to put the matter behind.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shared his perspective on X, stating, “Instilling the poison of bias in the minds of innocent children and transforming a sacred institution like school into a breeding ground of animosity is the gravest misdeed a teacher can commit against the nation. This is the same divisive sentiment propagated by the BJP that has ignited conflicts across every corner of India. Our children are India’s future – let us not nurture hatred within them; collectively, we must impart love.”