Mathura School Headmaster Suspended Over Alleged Namaz Instruction

A government primary school headmaster in Mathura district has been suspended following allegations that students were instructed to offer namaz during school hours, triggering a fresh controversy in Uttar Pradesh.

Jan Mohammad, headmaster of a primary school in the Nauhjheel block, was placed under suspension on January 31—less than 24 hours after a complaint was submitted. The action was taken by District Basic Education Officer (BEO) Ratan Kirti based on a written complaint filed on January 30 by Durgesh Pradhan, the local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mandal president.

According to officials, the complaint alleged that children were being made to perform Islamic prayers on the school premises. Citing the seriousness of the allegation, the education department moved swiftly to suspend the headmaster pending an inquiry.

Confirming the decision, BEO Ratan Kirti said that an investigation has been ordered to ascertain the facts. Two block education officers from Chhata and Mant have been assigned to conduct the inquiry and submit their report within one month. “If the allegations are found to be true, further action will be taken as per rules,” he said.

However, the rapid suspension has drawn criticism from sections of teachers, parents, and local residents, who argue that the headmaster was punished without a preliminary investigation or an opportunity to explain his position.

A teacher from the area, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the speed of the action raised concerns about due process. “Suspending someone within a day suggests pressure rather than a fair examination of facts,” the teacher remarked.

Supporters of Jan Mohammad have alleged that the matter has been communalised, pointing out that no complaints were raised by parents of students. They claim the issue originated solely from a political representative and question the consistency of enforcement in government schools.

Some local residents also highlighted what they described as unequal treatment, noting that cultural or religious practices associated with the majority community often take place in schools without objection. “This raises serious questions about selective action against minority educators,” said a village social worker.

Defending his complaint, BJP leader Durgesh Pradhan said government schools must remain strictly secular and free from any form of religious instruction. “I acted based on what was brought to my notice. Schools should not promote any religion,” he stated.

As the inquiry proceeds, the incident has sparked a broader debate in Mathura over fairness, administrative procedure, and the role of political influence in disciplinary actions within the education system. Jan Mohammad remains under suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.