Lucknow: A Muslim student, Farman Ali, was expelled from Azad Naurang Inter College in Hobiganj, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, reportedly for keeping a beard, an incident that has ignited widespread calls for action after becoming viral on social media.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the expulsion came to light when a video showing the principal denying Farman entry into the college circulated online. The clip shows an intense confrontation, with the principal allegedly stating, “This is a college, not a madrasa. Cut your beard; you can’t study here like this,” before expelling Farman from the college grounds on July 31.
The student’s brother, Zeeshan Ali, responded by filing complaints with the district magistrate and the chief minister’s office, citing discrimination and seeking redress for the harsh treatment Farman faced. Zeeshan detailed that the principal had been pressuring Farman for over a month to shave his beard, with threats of expulsion and academic failure.
The public reaction has been one of outrage, with the incident being covered extensively by local and national media. TV9 Hindi commented on the principal’s actions as overly harsh and discriminatory. Additionally, Amar Ujala released footage showing Zeeshan arguing with the principal, who is documented using threatening language and inappropriate remarks.
This incident has prompted discussions about religious discrimination in educational institutions in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the tension between secular policies and individual religious expressions.