MATHURA — A suspended Muslim headmaster of a government primary school in Nauhjheel has spoken out in detail after allegations made by a local BJP leader led to swift action by the authorities. Jan Mohammad said the claims against him were false and driven by misunderstanding and political motives.
Rejecting the allegations, Jan Mohammad said he had been targeted without facts and that a misleading picture of his work had been created. “The people who filed complaints do not even know me. The charges are false. I have no connection with any such acts,” he said, adding that he would present his side before the appropriate forum and trusted a fair outcome.
The controversy began after a BJP leader accused the headmaster of asking students to offer prayers and of not leading the national anthem. Acting on the complaint, the education department suspended Jan Mohammad on January 31. The move triggered anger among parents and local residents, many of whom said the action was rushed and taken without verification.
Calling the matter politically motivated, the headmaster said his name should not be used for personal gain. “I have no personal dispute with anyone—neither with the government nor with the education department. I only want to perform my duty as a teacher,” he said.
Jan Mohammad, 52, has been serving at the Nauhjheel primary school since 2007. He said no such allegation had ever been raised against him in the past. “I have worked here for many years. Nothing like this was ever said before,” he said. He added that he was informed of the suspension without any prior inquiry.
The Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) of Mathura, Ratan Kirti, said a two-member committee had been formed to investigate the complaint. She said the suspension followed a written complaint submitted through BJP leader Durgesh Kumar, also known as Pradhan.
Public support for the headmaster has grown over the past few days. Around 250 local residents, including parents of students, held a protest in Nauhjheel on February 4, calling the charges baseless and demanding his immediate reinstatement. A delegation of villagers also met the District Magistrate a day earlier with the same demand.
“Our children have studied under him for years. We have never seen anything wrong,” said one parent at the protest. “This action has harmed the school and the students.” Another resident said the headmaster had regularly carried out official duties, including government surveys, and had always followed rules.
Jan Mohammad said he had faith in the inquiry process and hoped the truth would emerge. “I have full faith in the system. Justice will be done,” he said, adding that he would continue to act with honesty and patience.
