Srinagar: Students at High School, Manthala in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, have staged protests against teacher Arif Iqbal, accusing him of making derogatory remarks about Sanatana Dharma and engaging in physical abuse over an extended period. The allegations include repeated insults to the religion, which reportedly caused significant emotional distress among the students. One claim involves the teacher allegedly threatening to pay a student’s father Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 and making disturbing comments about the student. As a result, the teacher has been suspended pending further investigation.
A participant in the student protest criticized Iqbal, questioning whether he was acting as a teacher or pursuing personal beliefs. The protester described how the teacher allegedly frustrated students by promoting his own beliefs and even forced tenth-grade girls to rub their noses in his spit. The situation reportedly escalated when Iqbal reacted violently to a whistle, attacking and severely beating the students. This violence reportedly led to physical injuries, with some girls fainting from the assault. When parents intervened, they were assured that the situation would be addressed, prompting a large protest demanding the teacher’s arrest.
Following the protests and complaints from victims' parents, Arif Iqbal has been removed from his position by the Chief Education Officer of Doda. An initial inquiry confirmed the allegations of derogatory comments about Hinduism and physical abuse. The official order stated that the teacher's conduct had been offensive and abusive, leading to his suspension. The Station House Officer (SHO) of Bhaderwah has filed a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 115(2) and Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with Section 299 addressing deliberate acts intended to offend religious sentiments. During his suspension, Iqbal must remain at the station and assist with the ongoing investigation, while receiving a subsistence allowance. A committee, including principals from local higher secondary schools, has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation and submit their findings within 21 days.
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