Several social media users express concern over private citizens taking it upon themselves to investigate or enforce the law
DEHRADUN — A video from Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district has sparked outrage after members of the right-wing Hindu organisation, Bajrang Dal, harassed a Muslim teacher imparting Arabic lessons (for Qur’anic recitation) to a child in a private home. The teacher was falsely accused of “operating an illegal madrasa.”
According to the video and posts circulating on social media, the incident took place in Joshimath, where Bajrang Dal members gathered outside the private residence and demanded action from the local administration.
The video appears to show members of the group questioning the teacher and demanding that officials investigate the premises and take action if any violations are found.
The incident has drawn severe criticism and has stirred reactions online, with users arguing that even if an unregistered educational institution was operating, the matter should have been examined by the authorities in accordance with the law. Others questioned why private religious instruction inside a home was being treated as a public law and order issue.
One widely shared post stated that every individual has the right to impart or receive lawful education in a private setting, adding that any allegation of an “illegal” madrasa should be investigated fairly by the authorities rather than being decided through public confrontation or intimidation.
Several users also expressed concern over private citizens taking it upon themselves to investigate or enforce the law, arguing that determining whether any legal violation has occurred is the responsibility of the administration, not activist groups.
Reacting to the viral video, one social media user wrote, “What do Hindu parties have to do with how Muslims educate their children?” The post said that Muslims were being prevented from receiving Islamic education and went on to criticise the government, media and Hindutva organisations over their treatment of Muslims.
Another user questioned the authority of those confronting the man, writing, “Who on earth are these people? Are they officers from some department? Are they allowed to interrogate and intimidate someone in this manner?” The user added that “now there’s a problem with reading or teaching Urdu and Arabic,” and argued that determining whether any educational activity violates the law is the responsibility of the government and administration, not private groups.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Uttarakhand administration or the police regarding the matter.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and further details are expected to emerge as and when authorities conduct an inquiry.
