Controversy over a school program in Maharashtra’s Jalna district has led to a police case being filed against the school principal and two teachers after allegations surfaced online that students performed a Pakistani song during an annual assembly.
The case was registered by Bartur police on Thursday against the principal of Wazhiyoddin Siddiqui School and two other employees of Kids World English School. News agency PTI reported that the police had invoked the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act in relation to acts threatening the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, promoting hostility between groups, spreading misinformation affecting national integration, and circulating false information likely to cause public alarm.
Allegations linked to the annual gathering
The controversy stems from posts circulating on social media regarding the school’s annual gala, which was held in March 2025.
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The posts claimed that the students danced to a Pakistani song during the event. They also claimed that a photo of Pakistani extremist Mumtaz Qadri was shown as part of the display.
The allegations quickly attracted political attention, with local BJP MLA Babanrao Lonekar demanding action against the school management. He also sought to cancel the school’s recognition.
The school rejects the accusations
The school administration strongly denied these allegations and confirmed that the allegations circulating online are untrue.
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Director Siddiqui said that the music played during the program was not a Pakistani song but was taken from the popular Turkish TV series “Ertugrul Ghazi”.
He told reporters: “The image that appeared during the show was of an actor from the series ‘Ertugrul Ghazi,’ and some people manipulated the visuals and circulated misleading content on social media.”
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According to the school, the content being shared online does not accurately reflect what was presented during the event.
The investigation is ongoing
Police officials said the matter is being investigated and facts related to the performance, music used and images shown during the program are being verified.
The investigation will determine whether the allegations circulating on social media are substantiated or whether the school’s explanation is supported by evidence.
(with PTI inputs)
