In a recent incident that has sparked tension in Rajasthan's Alwar district, a Hindu boy attending a school was allegedly assaulted by Muslim students and their family members for wearing a tilak (forehead mark). The episode occurred at the Government Higher Secondary School in Chauma Village and has led to police registering a case against six individuals involved.
The controversy began on 25 July when Muslim students protested against the Hindu student for wearing a tilak to school. The next day, in response, several Hindu students arrived at the institution wearing the sacred symbol, leading to further opposition from the Muslim students.
The school's principal attempted to mediate between the two sides to ease the tensions, emphasizing that no one should object to the wearing of a tilak. However, on 27 July, the situation escalated once again when a group of around 7 or 8 Muslim students intimidated a Hindu boy in class eleven for donning the tilak.
The perpetrators forcefully removed the tilak from the boy's forehead and subjected him to physical assault. Upon learning of the incident, Yusuf Mev, a relative of one of the accused, arrived at the school and allegedly attacked the victim before fleeing from the scene. The boy has reported that the offender and his family have threatened him and his family, demanding that he embrace Islam or face dire consequences.
The victim's family has lodged a complaint at the nearby Ramgarh police station, leading to a case being filed against six individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Authorities have initiated discussions with the involved parties to address the dispute. A significant police force has been deployed in the village to prevent any escalation of the conflict and maintain law and order.
In a separate but similar incident, a girl was expelled from school for wearing a rudraksha along with a tilak. The school management asked her to wear a smaller tripund, but she refused, claiming it was an infringement on her religious beliefs. The school officials initiated an inquiry into the matter following allegations of derogatory remarks made by the girl against students of other religions.
Authorities are investigating both incidents, ensuring that appropriate action is taken to maintain communal harmony and uphold the rights of students to express their religious beliefs respectfully and peacefully within the school environment.
