The incident raises concerns over religious freedom, minority rights, and the constitutional right to impart religious education. Police, however, have launched an inquiry to ascertain the facts.
NEW DELHI — A Maulana from Bihar has alleged harassment and threats in Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh after members of Hindu organisations objected to him teaching the Quran to Muslim children in a neighbourhood with a sizeable Muslim population. The incident, which occurred in Kunaun village of Pauri district, has heightened community tension, with police launching an inquiry into claims made by all sides.
A video of the confrontation has circulated on social media, showing a heated exchange with raised voices. According to local residents, the Maulana had been teaching basic Quranic lessons to children inside a small shop for a long time. Families from nearby homes regularly sent their children there for learning Quran reading.
Following objections raised by Hindu groups, the shop was shut and the Maulana was asked to stop classes until verification checks are completed.
Members of Hindu organisations alleged that the activity was illegal, questioned the Maulana’s identity, and claimed his Aadhaar card lacked proper local verification. They also made allegations suggesting the teaching posed a threat to society.
“They (Hindus) came as a mob, threatened me and called me a Pakistani. This was humiliating. Teaching the Quran to Muslim children is not a crime”
Raghuvendra Bhatnagar of the Vishwa Hindu Shakti Sangathan said, “The name, address and date of birth on the Aadhaar card appear doubtful. There is no local verification. We need to know who he is and why he is teaching here.”
Naresh Uniyal of the Bajrang Dal alleged that a madrasa in the village had earlier been shut by court order. “Now children are being taught in a nearby shop. This should not be allowed,” he said.
Rejecting the allegations, the Maulana told reporters, “I am from Bihar and have been living in Uttarakhand for the past 15 years. I do not run a madrasa. I only teach the Quran to children from nearby homes. Had anyone approached me respectfully, I would have shown all my documents.”
He alleged that the group confronted him in an intimidating manner. “They came as a mob, threatened me and called me a Pakistani. This was humiliating. Teaching the Quran to Muslim children is not a crime,” he said.
Legal experts note that Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to practise and propagate religion, while Article 30 protects the rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions. Informal religious instruction within communities, they say, does not require special permission unless it violates specific laws.
Local residents said tensions escalated when supporters of the Maulana objected to the manner in which he was confronted. Shouting and pushing followed, and a brief scuffle reportedly took place before police intervened.
Bhuvan Chand Pujari, in-charge of the Laxman Jhula police station, said authorities are examining the matter. “We have received complaints from Hindu organisations and have also heard the Maulana’s version. Documents and facts are being verified. No one should take the law into their own hands,” he said.
Members of the Muslim community expressed concern that the incident has created fear. “Our children were only learning the Quran. Shutting the place and threatening the teacher is unfair,” said a local resident.
Police said the inquiry is ongoing and any action will be taken strictly in accordance with the law.
