Muslim and Dalit Students Face Traumatic Abuse in Indian Schools

A harrowing complaint has surfaced from Muslim and Dalit students in North Delhi, revealing systemic discrimination, communal targeting, and physical abuse within their school. The allegations shed light on a deeply entrenched bias perpetuated under the pretense of education.

Delhi-based lawyer and education activist Ashok Agarwal detailed these claims in a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena, dated November 13. The letter accuses political science teacher Adarsh Sharma and PT teacher Vikash Kumar of fostering a hostile environment for Muslim and marginalized caste students.

According to the complaint, the teachers forced Muslim students to chant “Jai Shree Ram,” subjected them to severe physical abuse, and even made comments pushing them toward self-harm. Students recounted being beaten in school bathrooms and threatened with the release of compromising videos to silence their protests.

The abuse extended beyond physical violence to systemic discrimination. Muslim and Dalit students were reportedly segregated to back benches, while dominant caste students occupied the front rows. Sharma allegedly degraded Dalit students by asserting they were “born to serve the Pandits” and invoked offensive stereotypes, reinforcing centuries-old prejudices.

The communal hatred did not stop there. Muslim students were reportedly told, “Why don’t all the mullas leave our country?” Such comments reflect the growing normalization of bigotry within India’s educational institutions. The complaint also highlights mismanagement, with claims of frequent absenteeism and indifference from school authorities.

This is not the first time such complaints have surfaced. In 2023, Muslim students had raised concerns when Sharma allegedly replaced “Namaste” with “Jai Shree Ram” as the standard classroom greeting. However, investigations at the time were dismissed, with students silenced under duress.

A member of the school management committee, speaking anonymously, corroborated the claims of inadequate investigations. They revealed that Muslim students and teachers were coerced into denying any incidents of discrimination. Such institutional complicity has only emboldened those perpetuating these acts.

Ashok Agarwal has called for a high-level inquiry, emphasizing that previous probes failed to address these systemic issues. “The situation continues unabated despite repeated complaints,” Agarwal noted, stressing the urgency for immediate action.

This case is not isolated. Instances of communal bias in Indian schools are on the rise. In 2023, Delhi teacher Hema Gulati faced allegations of anti-Muslim remarks, and a viral video from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, showed teacher Tripta Tyagi instructing a student to slap a Muslim peer.

India’s education system is increasingly being weaponized to propagate communal hatred and caste bias. If unchecked, these toxic practices threaten the foundation of India’s secular and democratic values.