Muslim Students Allegedly Humiliated for Offering Namaz at Maharashtra College

Three Muslim students of Ideal College in Kalyan, Thane, were allegedly humiliated by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal after they were found offering namaz in an empty classroom on Friday.

A video that circulated widely on social media shows the activists confronting the students and accusing them of hurting “Hindu sentiments” by praying inside the campus. In another clip, the students are seen doing sit-ups while holding their ears, apologising repeatedly, and being made to touch the feet of a portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the activists chant “Jai Shri Ram.”

What has further angered the community is the presence of police personnel in the video, who appear to stand by without intervening to stop the harassment.

Parents of the students expressed strong resentment, questioning both the college administration and the police. One parent said his son was “forcibly made to bow before an idol and humiliated publicly,” and demanded to know why the police failed to protect them.

The college management defended its position, calling the incident an “internal matter” and stating that students had violated rules that prohibit any religious activity on campus.

Local Muslim organisations and opposition leaders have condemned the episode as a clear case of religious intimidation. They have demanded strict action against the activists involved and an inquiry into the police’s inaction.

The incident has triggered political reactions across Maharashtra, especially with civic elections approaching, and has reignited debate about rising vigilante behaviour and religious tensions on educational campuses.