Bidar, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Police in Karnataka’s Bidar district have registered an FIR against the principal of a college in Chitaguppa following allegations that he stopped students from raising “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” slogans after an Independence Day programme.
The case against Shaheen PU College principal Abdul Hakeem was registered on a complaint filed by Hiroba Gouli, a resident of Talab Galli in Chitaguppa, whose son is a second-year Pre-University Course (PUC) student at the college.
According to the complaint, the college held an Independence Day programme featuring the hoisting of the national flag and cultural events. After the programme, at around 10 a.m., Gouli’s son and other students allegedly raised the two slogans while leaving the college premises.
The complaint alleges that Hakeem stopped the students and warned them against raising the slogans, stating that they were associated with a particular religion and should not be raised again on the college campus.
Gouli also alleged that one student was taken to a room and kept there for nearly an hour, during which he was subjected to mental harassment.
The complainant accused the principal of discriminating between Hindu and Muslim students and alleged that his conduct could create hostility between the two communities. He sought action against Hakeem, stating that such incidents could contribute to communal divisions among students.
Based on the complaint, Chitaguppa police registered the FIR under Sections 126(2), 352 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to wrongful restraint, intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of public peace, and promoting enmity or hatred between different communities or groups.
The allegations have triggered protests by several Hindu organisations, which have demanded action against those responsible.
Police have begun an investigation and are examining the allegations and circumstances surrounding the incident. Statements from students and college staff are expected to be recorded, while other available evidence will also be examined as part of the probe.
FOLLOW NOW
