Karnataka college principal booked for stopping 'Vande Mataram' chants
Synopsis
A college principal in Bidar, Karnataka, has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita after students alleged he stopped them from chanting 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' on Independence Day — and held one student in a room for nearly an hour. Hindu organisations have taken to the streets, and police are now recording statements.
Key Takeaways
Chitaguppa police registered an FIR on 20 August against Shaheen PU College principal Abdul Hakeem in Bidar, Karnataka .
Students allegedly stopped from chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' after the college's Independence Day programme.
One student was allegedly held in a room for nearly an hour and subjected to mental harassment, per the complaint.
FIR filed under Sections 126(2), 352, and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — covering wrongful restraint, intentional insult, and promoting communal enmity.
Several Hindu organisations have launched protests demanding action against the principal.
Police investigation is ongoing; statements from students and staff are yet to be recorded.
Chitaguppa police in Bidar district, Karnataka, registered a First Information Report (FIR) on Thursday, 20 August against Shaheen PU College principal Abdul Hakeem, following allegations that he stopped students from chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' after the college's Independence Day programme. The complaint was filed by Hiroba Gouli, a resident of Talab Galli in Chitaguppa, whose son is a second-year Pre-University Course (PUC) student at the college. The incident has since triggered protests by several Hindu organisations demanding action against the principal.
What Allegedly Happened
According to the complaint, Shaheen PU College observed Independence Day with the hoisting of the national flag and cultural programmes. At around 10 am, as students were leaving the premises, Gouli's son and other students reportedly began raising the slogans 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram'.
The complaint alleges that principal Hakeem intervened and warned the students against raising these slogans, reportedly stating that they were associated with a particular religion and should not be chanted on the college premises. One student was allegedly taken to a room and held there for nearly an hour, during which he was reportedly subjected to mental harassment, according to the complainant.
FIR Registered, Sections Invoked
Based on Gouli's complaint, Chitaguppa police registered an FIR against Hakeem under Sections 126(2), 352, and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These sections pertain to wrongful restraint, intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of public peace, and promoting enmity or hatred between different communities or groups.
The complainant further alleged that the principal discriminated between Hindu and Muslim students and created hostility between the two communities. He sought action against Hakeem, alleging that such conduct could foster communal divisions among students.
Protests and Community Response
The allegations set off protests by several Hindu organisations in the area, which have demanded strict action against those responsible. The protests reflect the sensitivity around national symbols and slogans, particularly in the context of educational institutions.
This comes amid a broader national debate over the expression of patriotic slogans in public and institutional spaces, with incidents of this nature periodically drawing sharp political responses across the country.
Investigation Under Way
Police have launched a formal investigation into the matter. Authorities are expected to record statements from students and staff members and examine all available evidence. The probe is ongoing, and no arrests have been reported as of the time of filing.
The allegations against Hakeem remain subject to investigation, and no court has yet determined his culpability.
Point of View
And the principal has not publicly responded to the allegations. Charging someone under the BNS provision on promoting communal enmity is a significant escalation; courts have historically applied that section with caution. What is notable here is the speed of police action relative to the investigation: the FIR was registered before student and staff statements were formally recorded. In a district with a history of communal sensitivity, that sequencing matters — and will be scrutinised regardless of how the probe concludes.
NationPress
20 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shaheen PU College principal Abdul Hakeem booked?
Principal Abdul Hakeem was booked after a parent complained that he stopped students from chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' following the college's Independence Day programme in Chitaguppa, Bidar. He allegedly told students the slogans were linked to a particular religion and warned them not to raise them on college premises.
What sections of the BNS were invoked in the FIR?
The FIR was registered under Sections 126(2), 352, and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to wrongful restraint, intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of public peace, and promoting enmity or hatred between communities.
Who filed the complaint against the principal?
The complaint was filed by Hiroba Gouli, a resident of Talab Galli in Chitaguppa, whose son is a second-year PUC student at Shaheen College. Gouli alleged his son and other students were stopped from chanting patriotic slogans and that one student was detained in a room for nearly an hour.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Chitaguppa police have registered the FIR and launched a formal investigation. Authorities are expected to record statements from students and staff and examine available evidence. No arrests have been reported as of 20 August.
How have Hindu organisations responded to the incident?
Several Hindu organisations launched protests in the area following the allegations, demanding strict action against principal Abdul Hakeem. The protests reflect the heightened sensitivity around national symbols in institutional spaces.
