A teacher attached to a private school in Hyderabad was terminated by the institution’s administration following a controversy, which erupted after he assigned homework allegedly pertaining to Islamic practices to a Hindu student aged 6, police said on Thursday. The incident triggered objections from the child’s family and drew political reactions, which came to light after the student’s kin questioned the nature of the assignment written in his homework diary. 

A relative of the student lodged a complaint with the police, and the cops are currently verifying the allegations. Officials said further action shall be taken on the basis of the inquiry’s findings. 

Family raises objection over religious content

As claimed by reports, the controversy unfolded when the kid’s aunt noticed instructions in his homework diary which allegedly referred to a religious practice linked to Islam. The woman claimed that she approached the school administration and questioned why religious content had been assigned to the child. She alleged that the school principal told her that the topic was part of the curriculum and was ‘mandatory for all students to follow.’

The aunt then claimed that the teacher later informed her that the instructions had been entered in the student’s notebook by mistake. While raising objections, the woman said religious lessons should only be provided to students who voluntarily opt for them. Furthermore, she urged the education department to examine the matter and take appropriate action. 

School terminates teacher after controversy

Following the dispute, the school authorities confirmed on Thursday that the teacher concerned had been terminated. However, a management representative did not reveal further details regarding the circumstances that led to the teacher’s removal. 

Political leaders, VHP demand action

The controversy also attracted criticism from Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), who demanded strict action against the institution. 

Kumar questioned why, according to him, several ‘secular outfits’ had remained tight-lipped over the issue and sought action against the school management. 

He also said that if the BJP came to power in Telangana after the 2028 Assembly Elections, measures would be enforced requiring Hindu students to apply Tilak (a traditional religious mark worn on the forehead). VHP leader Ravinuthala Shashidhar also demanded action against the school and called for the withdrawal of its government recognition. 

Meanwhile, authorities are continuing their verification process to determine the facts of the case before deciding on further legal or administrative steps.