Telangana Police on Monday arrested a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Armoor town in Nizamabad district for allegedly slapping a Muslim principal of a private school over the introduction of Urdu classes, people familiar with the matter said.
Bharat Chandra town chief Mandula Balu was arrested in connection with the alleged assault on Aamir Khan, principal of Bharat Chandra High School, on June 27, Armor police inspector P Satyanarayana told reporters.
A video clip showing the BJP leader slapping and abusing Khan went viral on social media, sparking anger among the minority community in the city.
“Based on the complaint filed by school reporter A. Mallaya, we have registered a case of alleged trespass, criminal intimidation and assault against Balu,” the inspector said.
The police have also registered a case under Section 196 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the school principal Aamir Khan and reporter A. Malaya and Urdu language teacher Umm Hani. Article 196 deals with acts, speeches or writings that promote hostility between different groups on grounds such as religion, race, social class, language or place of birth.
The incident took place on June 27 when Balu and several other BJP leaders entered the school premises and confronted the administration over the introduction of Urdu as a second language.
“Children have been exposed to Urdu songs, Urdu texts in school subjects and religious content, raising concerns among some parents,” Balu told reporters.
When the school principal tried to explain the school’s position, the confrontation escalated into an altercation. Khan said he was only carrying out the responsibilities assigned to him by the school administration.
“I was slapped and subjected to abusive behaviour,” he said.
Malaya told police that Um Hani only provided Urdu lessons for two days.
“Investigations revealed that Urdu language classes were conducted without obtaining necessary permissions,” the inspector said, adding that the investigation is ongoing and further action will be taken after examining available evidence, witness statements and other materials collected during the investigation.
