A controversy erupted at Maharashtra Kalyan’s Ideal College as some students performed Namaz, eventually gaining the attention of local police and right-wing groups. However, the situation was brought under control without any reported violence.
The row erupted after the video of the students praying Namaz surfaced, triggering Hindutva members who alleged that their act had hurt the sentiments of Hindus. Ahead of this, activists from Vishva Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal reportedly arrived at the campus and lodged their objections.
The college officials reported that the students had performed Namaz a while ago in the classroom left unused. “The students did not intend to create any controversy or hurt anyone’s religious sentiments,” a senior administrator said.
Apology Follows
Following the controversy, the students were reportedly forced to apologize after the video of them offering namaz went viral and the Hindutva activist registered a complaint. In yet another video, the students can be seen holding their ears in front of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “We made a mistake… We will not repeat this in the future,” students were heard saying in the video. The students also clarified that he had no ill intention of creating disturbance or hurting the sentiments of anyone.
The college administration, meanwhile, said that religious activities are not permitted within the college premises, and measures will be taken to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future, and actions will be taken against the students involved.
