Chhattisgarh Professor Arrested for Allegedly Coercing Students to Pray During NSS Camp

A professor from Chhattisgarh's Guru Ghasidas Central University was arrested for allegedly forcing 155 students to offer namaz during an NSS camp. The incident, which occurred during an Eid celebration, has led to significant controversy and legal repercussions for the involved faculty members. Complaints from students, supported by Hindutva groups, claim that the majority of those coerced were not Muslim. The case has raised questions about religious freedom and the responsibilities of educators in academic settings. Read on to learn more about the details and implications of this incident.
 | 
Chhattisgarh Professor Arrested for Allegedly Coercing Students to Pray During NSS Camp

Incident Overview

A faculty member from Guru Ghasidas Central University in Chhattisgarh was detained on Thursday for reportedly compelling 155 students to perform namaz during an Eid celebration at a National Service Scheme (NSS) camp in Bilaspur district, according to reports.

Dilip Jha, the professor in question, was subsequently released on bail by a local magistrate.

Students at the university, supported by Hindutva organizations, lodged complaints with law enforcement, claiming they were coerced into praying on March 31 during the week-long camp that took place from March 26 to April 1 in Shivtarai village.

The complainants asserted that 159 students were forced to pray, despite only four identifying as Muslims.

In addition to Jha, a case was filed on April 26 against six other professors and a student leader involved in organizing the camp.

Charges against them include promoting discord among different groups, making statements detrimental to national unity, and engaging in actions intended to offend religious sentiments, among others.