Meerut: Govt School Principal Suspended For Serving Meat To Hindu Students During Sawan, Arrested As FIR Lodged

Meerut News: A school principal in Uttar Pradesh has been suspended and arrested for allegedly serving meat to Hindu students during the holy month of Sawan, sparking outrage and a police investigation.

The incident at Vaidwada Primary School in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut has led to the principal being charged with violating religious sentiments and for flouting norms of Mid-Day Meal scheme.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

Meerut News: A government primary school principal in Vaidwada, Meerut, has been suspended and arrested following protests by the student's family and Hindu organisations. The protests erupted after allegations surfaced that Mohammed Iqbal Khan, the principal, served non-vegetarian food to students.

According to officials, the controversy began when a student claimed that Khan gave him Rs 100 to purchase meat. The student reportedly refused the meat, which was then allegedly offered to his younger brother, a disabled student, who consumed it. The matter came to light when the students informed their family members, leading to protests at the school and the local police station.

Mohammad Iqbal Khan was arrested for serving meat to Hindu students during Sawan. (Photo: Sanuj Sharma)

The government primary school principal has been suspended and arrested following protests by the students' families and Hindu organisations. 

It is further claimed that Khan has previously pressured Hindu students to eat meat.

Meerut School Row: Accused Headmaster Arrested As FIR Lodged

Following the complaint, an FIR was lodged against Khan under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious beliefs. Station House Officer Naresh Kumar confirmed the registration of the FIR to news agency PTI.

Block Education Officer Shyam Mohan Asthana was dispatched to investigate the incident. His preliminary report suggested that the principal might be guilty of the allegations. Consequently, Khan has been suspended pending further inquiry.

Basic Siksha Adhikari (BSA) Asha Chowdhury confirmed receiving information regarding the incident. A detailed investigation will be conducted by Block Education Officer (Headquarters) Pradeep Kumar.

"Food served to students in government schools should be given as per the menu of the Mid-Day Meal scheme. The suspended teacher violated the norms and forced two Hindu students to consume meat on school premises. We have taken action against the erring teacher. Directives have also been issued to all government schools in Meerut that norms of the Mid-Day Meal should be strictly followed or action will be taken in this regard," Asha Chaudhary remarked, as quoted by Indian Express.

BJP councillor Pankaj Goel, who took the matter to BSA Asha Chaudhary, said, "The Muslim teacher forced Hindu students to consume meat during the holy month of Sawan. He did it deliberately so that those following the Sanatan Dharma act against their religion", as per Indian Express.

With Inputs By Sanuj Sharma