Sambhal school staff suspended over religious activity allegations at PM Shri School
Synopsis
A viral video from a government-run PM Shri School in Sambhal triggered a swift crackdown: the headmaster and an assistant teacher were suspended and booked under the BNS within four days, after students allegedly told investigators they were being encouraged to wear religious attire and perform sajda on school premises.
Key Takeaways
Headmaster Mohammad Anzar Ahmad and assistant teacher Mohammad Gul Ejaz of PM Shri School, Jalam Sarai, Sambhal were suspended and an FIR registered against them on 11 May 2025 .
Acting headmaster Valesh Kumar was also suspended for negligence and failure to report the matter to senior officials.
A video from the school went viral on 7 May ; a Block Education Officer inquiry on 8 May recorded student testimonies alleging promotion of religious practices.
Students allegedly claimed they were encouraged to wear caps and hijab and were taught to perform sajda .
A case was registered under Sections 353(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) ; police say further action depends on evidence.
Three school staff members at PM Shri School in Jalam Sarai village, Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, have been suspended following allegations that teachers were promoting religious activities on school premises. The action was taken on Sunday, 11 May 2025, after a video from the school went viral on 7 May and a subsequent inquiry confirmed student testimonies.
Who Was Suspended and Why
Headmaster Mohammad Anzar Ahmad and assistant teacher Mohammad Gul Ejaz were suspended and an FIR registered against them on the orders of District Magistrate Ankit Khandelwal. Basic Shiksha Adhikari Alka Sharma issued the suspension orders. Acting headmaster Valesh Kumar was also suspended, though on separate grounds — for failing to report the matter to senior officials and for negligence in the discharge of his duties.
What the Viral Video Showed and What Students Alleged
A video purportedly from the school circulated on social media on 7 May, prompting Block Education Officer Anshul Kumar to visit the school on 8 May for an on-site inquiry. During questioning, students allegedly told officials that the two teachers had been encouraging religious practices within school premises. Hindu students were allegedly encouraged to wear caps, girl students were allegedly asked to wear hijab, and students claimed they were being taught to perform sajda. The inquiry report was forwarded to the Basic Shiksha Adhikari, leading to suspension action days later.
FIR and Police Action
Additional Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Singh confirmed that a complaint was filed by the Block Education Officer at the Sambhal and Nakhasa police stations. A case has been registered under Sections 353(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the two teachers. Singh said the case currently names two individuals and that further action will follow a review of evidence gathered during the investigation.
Context and Significance
The PM Shri Schools scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at developing model schools across India with a focus on the National Education Policy. Allegations of religious proselytisation at such a school carry institutional weight, as the programme is directly associated with the Union government's education overhaul. This comes amid heightened scrutiny of school environments in Uttar Pradesh, where district administrations have been directed to maintain strict oversight of government-aided institutions. Notably, the swift action — from a viral video on 7 May to suspensions and an FIR within four days — reflects the political sensitivity surrounding such allegations in the state.
What Happens Next
Police have indicated that further action will be taken based on evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation. The suspended teachers may face departmental proceedings in addition to the criminal case. The inquiry findings are expected to determine whether additional staff or administrative lapses are implicated.
Point of View
Making a fair and transparent investigation more important than a fast one. The acting headmaster's suspension for 'negligence' also raises questions about accountability structures: was there a systemic failure, or is a junior official being made the fall guy for a delayed escalation?
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Sambhal PM Shri School teachers suspended?
Headmaster Mohammad Anzar Ahmad and assistant teacher Mohammad Gul Ejaz were suspended after students allegedly told investigators that the two were promoting religious activities on school premises, including encouraging students to wear religious attire and perform sajda. The action followed a viral video and a Block Education Officer inquiry.
What sections were used to register the FIR against the teachers?
The FIR was registered under Sections 353(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police say the investigation is ongoing and further action will depend on evidence reviewed during the probe.
What is PM Shri School and why does it matter here?
PM Shri Schools are model institutions under a centrally sponsored scheme aligned with the National Education Policy. Allegations of religious proselytisation at such a school carry national significance because the programme is directly associated with the Union government's education agenda.
Why was acting headmaster Valesh Kumar suspended?
Valesh Kumar was suspended not for direct involvement in the alleged religious activities, but for failing to inform senior officials about the matter and for negligence in the discharge of his duties.
What happens next in the Sambhal school case?
Police have said further action will follow a review of evidence gathered during the investigation. The suspended teachers may also face departmental proceedings alongside the criminal case registered under the BNS.
