Kalyan, Maharashtra – A delegation of activists, educators, and legal professionals has urged the Ideal College of Pharmacy to initiate a police investigation following the harassment of Muslim students. The students were targeted while performing Friday Namaz on campus, an incident that led to a mob confrontation and demands for an official First Information Report (FIR).
The incident occurred after a video of students offering prayers in an empty classroom was recorded and circulated online. These students had obtained necessary permission from their department head. According to an official statement from the delegation, the viral video resulted in a “right-wing mob descending on the campus.” This group reportedly forced the Muslim students to apologize for their religious practice.
Details of the Harassment
The Muslim students were performing their Friday prayers within an empty classroom on the college premises. This was done after securing due permission from their Head of Department (HoD). The act of prayer was filmed by other students, and the footage was then disseminated across social media platforms.
The online circulation of this video swiftly escalated the situation. It attracted individuals described as a “right-wing mob” to the college campus. This group allegedly harassed the students and compelled them to apologize publicly for offering their prayers, despite causing no disruption to others.
Delegation Demands Accountability and Support
Following the incident, a multi-community delegation held a meeting with the college administration and management representatives. The delegation included social activists, educationists, and a lawyer. They expressed profound dismay over the events, stating that the episode “traumatized and damaged the students’ self-respect.”
The delegation presented a clear set of demands. They insisted the college file an FIR against the individuals responsible for the harassment. Furthermore, they urged the administration to identify and discipline the students who filmed the prayers and circulated the video. This action, they argued, directly contributed to the subsequent harassment.
Beyond punitive measures, the delegation also called for proactive steps. They suggested the college provide a designated common space for students of all faiths to practice their religious obligations without fear. Additionally, they recommended immediate psychological counselling for the affected Muslim students to address any emotional distress or trauma resulting from the ordeal.
Security enhancements and a commitment to campus harmony were also central to the delegation’s demands. They advised the college administration to strengthen security measures on the premises. This enhancement aims to prevent future incidents and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding among all students and staff.
College Responds with Regret and Remedial Actions
During the meeting, college authorities acknowledged their shortcomings. They admitted a failure in adequately protecting the students on the day the incident occurred. The administration conveyed its regret over the severe ordeal experienced by the victim students.
The college officials confirmed that several measures have already been implemented to improve campus security. They provided assurances that such an incident would not recur. Furthermore, they committed to arranging counselling services specifically for the victim students. This initiative aims to ensure their emotional well-being and mitigate any potential long-term stress or trauma.
In a statement, the college outlined future plans to rebuild trust and foster a positive campus culture. They announced intentions to organize special “harmony-building programmes.” These programs are designed to address the atmosphere of misunderstanding and hostility that surfaced among students following the harassment incident.