Inter-religious education in schools creates communal harmony. It’s in these hallowed chambers of learning that young minds are taught the co-existence of different faiths, acceptance and understanding of religious differences, right speech, and conduct.
Classrooms shape societies, create an enlightening atmosphere to celebrate diversity, and instil a sense of brotherhood for people of all sects.
But what when a classroom becomes the very medium to spray vitriol? This is what happened in a school in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district.
In a horrific episode, a school teacher identified as Tripta Tyagi reportedly encouraged minor students to slap their seven-year-old Muslim classmate, Mohammad Altamash. There was outrage on social media as the video of the incident went viral.
“Yesterday, my son came home crying,” Rubina, his mother, was quoted as saying by Aljazeera.com. “He was traumatised. This is not how you treat kids.”
The news website also reported that a male voice in the background was heard agreeing with the teacher.
It mentioned that Tyagi was heard saying in the video, “I have declared that all Muslim children should go.”
“You are correct, it ruins the education,” it reported details of the males conversation. The tearful victim stood in the class petrified.
The Independent, giving details of the ghastly incident, has reported:
“She is heard saying in the video, “jor se maaro naa… (Why don’t you hit him harder?)” as the child stands frozen in front of the class and his classmates walk up to him one by one to slap him across the face.
She is also heard trailing off, “maine toh declare kar diya, jitne bhi Mohammedan (Muslim) bachhe hai…” leading to speculation on social media that this was an act targeted at the faith of the student.”
Many social media followers demanded action against the teacher who reportedly taught at Neha Public school in Khubbapur village, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.
According to the Free Press Journal, Muzaffarnagar police said on social media that station in-charge at Mansurpur police has been directed to investigate the episode and initiate action as deemed fit.
DSP (Khatauli) Ravi Shankar Mishra confirmed to the Times of India, “Preliminary investigation found that the teacher who runs a school from her house forced students to beat another pupil. The teacher has been identified as Tripti Tyagi. A departmental inquiry has been ordered and action will be taken against the school management and the teacher. Block education officer will file a police complaint in the case.”
The report added that the victim’s father Irshad, a mechanic, said he did not wish to file a complaint since he didn’t believe the family would get justice. The news portal added that the father reportedly gave it in writing to the Muzaffarnagar police that he didn’t want to explore a legal route against Tyagi.
“We don’t want to teach our child in that school anymore. The school management has returned our fees. We also don’t want to take this matter forward as it may affect my son’s education,” he told the Times of India.
The teacher reportedly apologised in front of the police.
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