A professor was sent on compulsory leave by college authorities for offering namaz on campus in Aligarh district in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. A video of associate professor Dr Shah Raziq Khalid emerged on social media showing him offering namaz on the lawns of Sri Varshney College in Aligarh.
After the video went viral, Hindu right-wing groups targeted it and demanded action against the professor for allegedly disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of the campus. College authorities set up a probe committee soon after. Prof Khalid was sent on compulsory leave.
“At the time of the said incident, I was on leave. After I came back, I made enquiries. The professor told me that he was in a rush and he read the namaz in a park. A probe has been set up which will look into the facts of the case. As per the decision of the panel, necessary action will be taken,” Principal AK Gupta told media persons.
“A meeting of the probe committee will decide whether an apology needs to be tendered,” added Gupta. A complaint was filed at the Kuwarsi Police Station. But no FIR has been registered. Action would be taken after receiving a report from college authorities, said police.
A spokesman of the college told media that an inquiry has been ordered into the matter after some youth leaders belonging to the Bhartiya Janata Yuwa Morcha (BJYM) charged the teacher of indiscipline and trying to disturb peace by offering prayers at a public place.—INP
