Protest over headmaster's suspension for ‘forcing students to offer namaz’

Agra: Around 250 residents of Nauhjheel town in Mathura district on Wednesday staged a protest against the suspension of a headmaster of a govt primary school after he was suspended on Jan 30 following a complaint by a BJP functionary that he allegedly "forced students to offer namaz and brainwashed them to follow his faith." They had on Tuesday met the district magistrate and demanded that the headmaster be reinstated immediately.The protesters, including parents of students, said allegations against headmaster Jaan Mohammed, 53, who was also involved with the SIR exercise, were part of a political conspiracy. They described him as "hardworking" and "dedicated".Speaking to TOI, Dayaram Pathak, a resident of Naujheel where the school is located, said, "Allegations against Jaan Mohammad ji is baseless and action against him is wrong. There is no evidence. Such action is being taken without any inquiry. That is why all people from the locality met the DM, who has assured justice. People from both sides, Hindus and Muslims and whose children study in the school, are opposing the action against the headmaster. We do not have any such Hindu-Muslim issue here. We all live in harmony."A Class 5 student, Priyanshi, said the national anthem and prayer happen on school campus as per procedure.The teaching staff also did not agree with the allegations made against Jaan Mohammed, but they refused to speak to TOI.After the complaint, BSA Ratan Kirti suspended Jaan Mohammed on Jan 30 and formed a panel to investigate the matter. In the suspension order, Kirti directed block education officers of Chhata and Maant to complete the probe within 30 days and submit their report. However, in her latest order dated Feb 3, Kirti sought a report in three days.Speaking to the media, Kirti said, "The allegations are serious. Islamisation is a serious matter. In my order, I did not declare him guilty and directed a probe."Durgesh Pradhan, in his written complaint dated Jan 30, alleged that Jaan Mohammad, headmaster of primary school, Naujheel First, misleads children and motivates them towards Islam. Pradhan also claimed that the headmaster "forces students to recite the Kalma and insults Hindu gods and goddesses, and that he does not allow the singing of the national anthem in the school."