Telangana, India – A recent incident at a Christian school in Telangana has sparked controversy after WhatsApp messages alleged that the school obstructed Hindu rituals, leading to an attack by an angry mob. The Mother Teresa English Medium School, located in Luxettipet of Kannepalli village in Mancherial district, found itself at the center of a violent confrontation on April 16.
An independent fact-finding committee revealed that misinformation spread through WhatsApp messages triggered the attack, with claims that students participating in Hanuman Deeksha rituals were mistreated by the school’s Catholic management. The spread of false information culminated in an attack on the school by a large mob dressed in saffron and chanting religious slogans.
Led by social activists including Khalida Parveen and Sarah Mathews, the fact-finding committee delved into the details of the incident to uncover the truth behind the allegations. According to the committee’s report, the claims of students not being allowed to wear saffron attire or participate in exams due to their observance of Hanuman Deeksha were found to be unsubstantiated.
The report also shed light on the involvement of a disgruntled parent and former student who played a key role in instigating the attack on the school. The former student, who had previously been expelled for misconduct, joined the mob in vandalizing the school property, citing alleged anti-Hindu sentiments by the school management.
Following the incident, the police registered FIRs against both the school management and the attackers under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. However, the fact-finding committee has called for a withdrawal of the FIR against the school, emphasizing that the management was not at fault and should be compensated for the damages incurred during the attack.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the violence, the fact-finding committee continues to advocate for justice and peace, urging authorities to take swift action against those responsible for instigating the attack. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of misinformation and the importance of fact-checking before resorting to violence.