Luxettipet, Telangana: A recent incident at the Mother Teresa English Medium School in Luxettipet, Telangana has sparked controversy and raised tensions in the community. A fact-finding committee has revealed that WhatsApp messages spreading false information about the school’s alleged obstruction of Hindu rituals served as a catalyst for an attack on the school grounds. The attack, which took place on April 16, involved a mob of about 300 men dressed in saffron attire and chanting religious slogans.
The committee, comprised of independent social activists, discovered that the misinformation being circulated through WhatsApp alleged that students observing Hanuman Deeksha at the school were being mistreated. This led to the violent and destructive mob attack on the school premises. The activists, who have been investigating similar incidents for years, aim to uncover the truth behind such events in order to ensure justice is served.
According to the committee’s report, the school had actually asked students observing Hanuman Deeksha to inform the office if they intended to continue wearing saffron attire. Contrary to the false claims, there was no attempt to forcibly remove students’ religious symbols or prevent them from taking exams. However, due to a lack of communication, three students were not permitted access to the school on the day of the attack.
One of the main instigators behind the attack was identified as a parent of a former student who had been expelled from the school for disciplinary reasons. This parent, along with their child who is currently enrolled in another school, actively participated in the violence against the Mother Teresa English Medium School. The situation escalated as the mob demanded a public apology from the school principal, who was subjected to physical assault and humiliation.
Police authorities in Luxettipet confirmed that the trouble began after the circulation of false WhatsApp messages, ultimately resulting in the violent attack on the school. The mob not only targeted the school but also engaged in acts of intolerance towards local Muslim-owned businesses, displaying a troubling trend of communal tensions in the area.
In response to the incident, the fact-finding committee called for the withdrawal of the FIR against the school management and demanded swift action against the attackers. They stressed the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions and providing support to the school management for the damages incurred. As the community works to address the aftermath of the attack, concerns about religious harmony and social cohesion remain at the forefront of discussions in Luxettipet.