Telangana: School principal attacked after students questioned over saffron clothing
A missionary school in Mancherial, Telangana was vandalized and its principal and staff were assaulted, allegedly by a Hindu right-wing mob on Tuesday, reports said on Thursday. The attack came after a school correspondent and principal allegedly objected to some students coming to the institution wearing a "Hanuman Deeksha dress," reports added. Separately, Dandepally police have booked a case against school officials on a complaint made by the parents of the students for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
Social media video triggers backlash
According to the authorities at Blessed Mother Teresa High School in Kannepalli village—250km from Hyderabad—Principal Jaimon Joseph had questioned some students for wearing saffron clothing to school. The students informed the principal that they are observing a 21-day ritual—"Hanuman Deeksha"—following which Principal Joseph asked to meet their parents to discuss the matter. A purported video of the interaction, claiming that the principal was not allowing "Hindu attire" on the campus, went viral, triggering a backlash from certain groups.
School property damaged by mob
On Tuesday, a mob wearing saffron shirts entered the school and vandalized the property. A purported video of the incident shows saffron-clad men raising "Jai Shri Ram" slogans and smashing glass windows and flower pots. A group of teachers can be seen standing with folded hands urging the men to stop. Later, police personnel enter the premises and remove the protesters from the school corridors. Another video shows protesters pelting stones at a statue of Mother Teresa on the campus.
Legal action initiated
A video also shows the mob surrounding Principal Joseph and beating him up. They also demanded an apology from the school. Then someone forcibly applies "tilak" on his forehead, reports said. According to reports, the school management has filed a complaint with the local police. Meanwhile, the school officials have been booked under Sections 153 (A) promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion or race) and 295 (A) (insulting religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code.
