New Delhi: Three Muslim students at Ideal College in Kalyan were forced to bow before an idol after members of Hindu nationalist groups confronted them for offering salah in an empty classroom. The confrontation took place on November 23 and has raised concerns among local residents over rising intimidation of Muslim students.
Videos shared online show activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal surrounding the teenagers, shouting at them and demanding repeated apologies. The boys were seen performing sit-ups and touching the feet of an idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Police officers present at the scene did not intervene.
The first video showed the students offering a short prayer in an empty room. Students said the prayer took only a few minutes. A boy later told reporters that they did not disturb anyone. Residents said activists arrived on campus soon after the video began circulating locally.
A second clip showed the boys surrounded by men chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” Local Muslims who witnessed the confrontation said the teenagers appeared frightened. Parents reported that their children were shaken after the incident. One father described the forced act as humiliation.
Residents accused the police of inaction. They said officers reached the spot early but did not stop the confrontation. Instead, the issue was treated as an internal matter of the college. The boys apologised to the administration for violating campus rules, but activists demanded a second apology before the idol and on camera.
Ideal College stated that religious activities are not permitted on campus and warned of strict action if similar incidents occur again. Community members say the administration acted under pressure from nationalist groups.
Muslim residents and local organisations say the Kalyan incident reflects a pattern where Muslim religious practices are closely monitored, while Hindu nationalist groups operate with little resistance. They have demanded a fair inquiry and action against those who confronted the students.
