Hindu students forced to wear hijab, skull caps in UP Govt school; 3, including Mohd Anzar and Mohd Gul suspended
The allegations are against two teachers: Mohammad Anzar Ahmad and Mohammad Gul Ejaz, who are accused of allegedly encouraging Islamic religious practices inside the school and pressuring Hindu students to participate in them. (hijab)
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A controversy erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal after teachers at a PM Shri government school were accused of pressuring Hindu students to participate in Islamic religious practices, including wearing hijabs and skull caps and performing sajda. Following viral videos and an official probe, three teachers were suspended, and an FIR was registered. Sambhal district, which has remained in the news over the past two years following tensions and violence around the Shahi Jama Masjid area, is once again facing controversy after allegations emerged from a PM Shri government school in Jalab Sarai village under Nakhasa police station limits.
The allegations are against two teachers: Mohammad Anzar Ahmad and Mohammad Gul Ejaz, who are accused of allegedly encouraging Islamic religious practices inside the school and pressuring Hindu students to participate in them. According to reports and statements recorded during the official inquiry, Hindu girl students were allegedly asked to wear hijabs, while boys were encouraged to wear Islamic skull caps. Some students also reportedly told officials that they were being taught to perform “sajda,” an Islamic form of prostration during prayer.
The matter came to light after videos and photographs from inside the school went viral on social media on May 7. The clips showed students participating in Islamic practices inside the school premises. They were made to sing a poem, “Lab pe aati hai dua banke…”
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As the videos spread online, anger grew among local residents, many of whom questioned how religious activities were allegedly being conducted inside a government-funded school where religious instruction is not permitted. Following the tensions, Sambhal Block Education Officer Anshul Kumar visited the school on May 8 and began an investigation. During the inquiry, statements of several students were recorded.
प्रकरण के सम्बन्ध में थाना नखासा पर वादी की तहरीर के आधार पर सुसंगत धाराओं में अभियोग पंजीकृत किया गया है । सभी बिन्दुओं पर जांच कर विवेचना का विधिक निस्तारण किया जायेगा ।
— SAMBHAL POLICE (@sambhalpolice) May 11, 2026
According to officials, many students confirmed that Islamic prayers and related activities had allegedly been taking place inside the school for a long time. The inquiry report also stated that some students alleged objectionable remarks were made against other religions, which reportedly created a religiously sensitive atmosphere in the school.
Government school teacher Anjar Ahmed and Gul Ejaz forced Hindu students to wear Islamic attire in Sambhal, UP.
— Team Hindu United (@TeamHinduUnited) May 11, 2026
Hindu girls were made to wear hijabs and Hindu boys skullcaps.
Islamic prayers were also chanted in the morning assembly. pic.twitter.com/JoESGoWhP0
Officials said that when the inspection team reached the campus, both accused teachers, principal Mohammad Anzar Ahmad and assistant teacher Mohammad Gul Ejaz were absent. Authorities later stated that Ahmad was reportedly on medical leave, while acting headmaster Valesh Kumar was handling administrative responsibilities at the time. However, Valesh Kumar was also suspended after investigators alleged that he knew about the activities but neither informed senior officials nor took action to stop them.
Based on the findings of the inquiry, Basic Shiksha Adhikari Alka Sharma suspended all three teachers. The report reportedly described the alleged acts as violations of Article 28 of the Constitution, which prohibits religious instruction in government-funded institutions, along with provisions of the Right to Education Act, 2009, and the Uttar Pradesh Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1956.
Police have also started legal proceedings in the matter. On the complaint of the Block Education Officer, Nakhasa police registered an FIR against Mohammad Anzar Ahmad and Mohammad Gul Ejaz under Sections 353(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Meanwhile, the district administration has ordered a deeper investigation into the case. The District Magistrate has formed a three-member inquiry committee under the Chief Development Officer to find out whether more people were involved and whether the alleged activities were part of a larger organised effort.
Officials have made it clear that no form of religious coercion or grooming activity will be tolerated inside government schools. The administration has warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty during the investigation.