A controversy has erupted in Mathura after a Muslim headmaster of a government primary school was suspended over allegations that students were being made to offer namaz on school premises. The swift action, taken within a day of a complaint by a BJP leader, has triggered a debate over fairness, due process, and the treatment of minority teachers in Uttar Pradesh.
The incident took place at a government primary school in the Nauhjheel block of Mathura district. The headmaster, Jan Mohammad, was suspended on January 31 by the district Basic Education Officer following a written complaint submitted on January 30 by BJP Bajna Mandal president Durgesh Pradhan.
In his complaint, Pradhan alleged that children at the school were being forced to offer namaz during school hours and were being influenced towards Islam. He also claimed that the headmaster insulted Hindu deities, made objectionable remarks about Hinduism, discouraged students from singing the national anthem, and invited Tablighi preachers to the school premises. The complaint further alleged that children were told Islam was superior to other religions and that women staff members were afraid to speak out.
Confirming the suspension, Basic Education Officer Ratan Kirti said, “A complaint was received alleging that students were being made to offer namaz in a government primary school. Considering the seriousness of the matter and the preliminary report, the headmaster has been suspended, and an inquiry has been ordered.”
He added that a two-member inquiry committee comprising Block Education Officers from Chhata and Mant has been formed to investigate the allegations in detail. “If the charges are proven, further legal action will be taken as per rules,” Kirti said.
However, the speed of the suspension has drawn criticism from teachers and local residents. Many have questioned why the headmaster was suspended immediately without a detailed preliminary hearing. A local teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Suspension within 24 hours shows clear pressure. There should have been verification before branding someone guilty.”
Some parents and community members have also alleged that the issue has been given a communal colour. “No parent had officially complained before this. The complaint came from a political leader. That itself raises doubts,” said a parent from the village. Others pointed out that religious practices linked to the majority community often go unquestioned in schools. “When prayers like Saraswati Vandana happen, nobody objects. But when allegations involve a Muslim teacher, action is immediate,” a local social worker said.
Defending his complaint, BJP leader Durgesh Pradhan said, “A government school is not a place for religious teaching. Parents approached me with their concerns, and I only did my duty by informing the authorities.”
Jan Mohammad has been attached to another primary school in Mant block during the inquiry period. The district administration has not yet issued a separate statement on the controversy.
