This is an archive article published on March 12, 2025
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Bihar govt teacher, principal transferred after violent row over Urdu prayer at school
2 complaints filed, including one against the teacher, after locals allegedly confronted him over a video of the prayer
Local sources claimed that the school had traditionally conducted prayers in Hindi, but the recent change to Urdu prayers under the new principal has been controversial. (Source: File/Representational)
Days after a government teacher in Gaya was allegedly assaulted by locals on the school premises over a prayer conducted in Urdu, he and the principal have been transferred to other schools, and two FIRs have been registered.
According to the police complaint submitted by the teacher, on March 8, a group of local residents allegedly confronted him about a video he had recorded of the Urdu prayer being recited in the school.
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“I was sitting in the school courtyard after taking a class at around 3:40 pm when they approached me and asked if I had made a video of the prayer. When I confirmed that I had, they abused and assaulted me,” the FIR quotes him as saying.
In the complaint filed later that night, the teacher alleged the mob tore his shirt, broke his glasses and threatened him with death if he continued teaching at the school.
This FIR names nine people for wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from the discharge of his duty and other sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
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The teacher told The Indian Express Wednesday that he and the school principal have been transferred to different schools following the incident.
Meanwhile, a counter-complaint was filed against him on March 10 on charges of molestation. “It’s a false case. Why didn’t they file the complaint the same day if I had done something wrong? They waited two days to retaliate,” he claimed.
Gaya Superintendent of Police Anand Kumar confirmed that two FIRs have been filed. Police have registered an FIR against the teacher on charges of wrongful restraint, assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, criminal intimidation and Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace as well as sections of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
“Cases have been registered, but no arrests have been made yet. We are currently investigating the matter thoroughly, given its sensitivity, and will take appropriate action against anyone found guilty,” Kumar said.
Local sources claimed that the school had traditionally conducted prayers in Hindi, but the recent change to Urdu prayers under the new principal has been controversial. (Source: File/Representational) 
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