23/11/2025
Tension at Maharashtra’s Ideal College After Namaz Controversy; Three Muslim Students Forced to Apologise
Thane, Maharashtra — A brief prayer offered by a few Muslim students inside an unused classroom triggered major tension at Ideal College in Ambernath, located in Thane district. A video of the incident went viral on social media, prompting protests from right-wing Hindu groups and creating unrest on the campus.
Protests After Namaz Video Goes Viral
On Thursday afternoon, several Muslim students from the pharmacy department offered a short namaz inside an empty, unused classroom. Some students recorded the moment on mobile phones and shared it on social media. As the video spread rapidly, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered at the college, demanding an explanation from the authorities.
Protesters alleged that religious rituals should not be performed inside an educational institution and demanded strict action.
Three Muslim Students Forced to Apologise
Under pressure from the protesters, the three students involved were brought forward. A video circulating online shows them holding their ears in a gesture of apology and promising not to pray on campus again. Some reports state that they were made to apologise in front of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj located inside the college.
The students said:
“We made a mistake. We will never offer namaz inside the college again.”
During the incident, some Hindu students began chanting “Jai Shri Ram,” further escalating the tension.
College Administration’s Position
The Ideal College administration stated that all religious activities are prohibited on campus according to institutional policy. However, they acknowledged that the students had only intended to perform a short prayer, and the situation escalated unexpectedly.
To pacify the agitating groups, the principal issued a statement assuring that the college would enforce stricter monitoring to prevent any religious activities inside the campus.
Police Intervention and Investigation
Police arrived at the scene after the video went viral and managed to bring the situation under control. No FIR has been filed so far, but officials stated that they are reviewing the entire video footage, the complaints, and the statements of the college administration.
Debate: Discrimination or Violation of Rules?
The incident has sparked intense debate on social media. Many argue that the behaviour toward the Muslim students was discriminatory, especially as there are claims that Hindu religious activities and festivities take place in the same college. On the other hand, protestors insist that no religious practices of any kind should be allowed inside educational premises.
Conclusion
The episode has sparked a fresh wave of communal tension in Maharashtra. While the college administration and police are attempting to maintain peace, the video of the students being made to apologise has drawn nationwide criticism. The incident has once again highlighted the conflict between religious freedom and institutional rules, placing both issues under renewed scrutiny.