A controversy has erupted in Mathura’s Nauhjheel block as Jan Mohammad, headmaster of a government primary school, was suspended within 24 hours of a complaint alleging that students were being instructed to offer namaz during school hours.
The order of suspension was issued on 31 January by the District Basic Education Officer (BEO) Ratan Kirti, ahead of the written complaint lodged by local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mandal president Durgesh Pradhan a day before the suspension notice.
As per the officials, it was reported that children were being made to offer namaz on school premises, leading to swift administrative actions.
“A complaint was received on 30 January regarding namaz being offered at the school. Given the seriousness, the headmaster has been placed under suspension pending inquiry” said BEO Ratan Kirti, Confirming the decision.
“If the charges are proven, further legal steps will follow,” he added.
The swift suspension has drawn sharp criticism from teachers, parents, and community members, who say the headmaster was presumed guilty without any preliminary verification or an opportunity to present his side.
Supporters of Jan Mohammad contend that the issue has been communalised, pointing out that no parent raised any concerns and that the complaint originated solely from a political functionary.
“Saraswati Vandana and other majority-community practices occur regularly without objection, but a Muslim teacher faces immediate punishment,” said a village social worker while talking to the media.
BJP leader Durgesh Pradhan, said that the government schools must remain free of religious instruction. “I only demanded action based on the facts,” he said.
Meanwhile, villagers and students came out in support of headmaster Jan Mohammad and alleged that the school children said that no prayers were offered.
