A delegation of social workers, teachers and lawyers warn that the college was turning into a centre of communal harassment; FIR against erring elements demanded
MUMBAI — A large civic delegation comprising social workers, teachers and lawyers has raised serious concerns over the humiliating treatment of Muslim students at Ideal College in Maharashtra’s Kalyan . The group met college officials and demanded urgent legal action to stop what they described as a growing pattern of harassment driven by Hindutva groups.
The outrage stems from an incident last week in which Muslim students of the pharmacy department offered Friday prayers in an empty classroom with the permission of their department head. The prayers were secretly recorded by some students, and the video was later circulated widely on social media.
Once the video went viral, members of Hindutva outfits stormed the campus, confronted the Muslim students, and subjected them to public humiliation. The students were forced to hold their ears, apologise, and touch the feet of the statue of Shivaji Maharaj—a gesture the delegation described as deliberate religious humiliation intended to intimidate Muslims.
“This is nothing but an attack on the dignity of Muslim students,” said social worker Durgesh Gaikwad, who was part of the delegation. “We told the administration clearly that such elements cannot be allowed to turn an educational institution into a playground for communal hate.”
Another member of the delegation, Moin Dawn, accused the attackers of trying to terrorise Muslim youth. “The students did not break any rule. They prayed with permission. Forcing them to apologise shows a mindset bent on suppressing Muslims,” he said.
The delegation submitted a letter to the college administration demanding immediate registration of an FIR against those responsible for the harassment. It also urged the administration to take disciplinary action against the students who filmed the prayer secretly and spread the video online.
Teacher Anand Kumar noted, “Such incidents destroy social harmony and make Muslim students feel unsafe. If the administration delays action, it will send a message that the college supports this behaviour.”
Despite the seriousness of the matter, the college has still not filed a police complaint. Officials told the delegation they are taking legal advice and planning counselling sessions for affected students. They also mentioned a proposed educational programme to promote interfaith understanding.
However, the delegation rejected this as insufficient without legal action. “Counselling is not a punishment for those who have humiliated others,” argued lawyer Sameer Qureshi. “The law must be used, or these groups will continue attacking Muslims with impunity.”
Muslim students are now reportedly afraid to practise their religion or even gather in groups. One student, requesting anonymity, said, “We came here to study, not to be insulted. We feel scared every day.”
The delegation included Durgesh Gaikwad, Moin Dawn, Salim Sheikh, Anand Kumar, Ashfaq Sheikh, Sameer Qureshi, Zameer Khan, Altamish Karte and Shahzad Sagar.
