Students were forced to read namaz in NSS camp! FIR against 8 including 7 professors
#News Bureau April 28,,2025
Why was an FIR filed against 8 people, including 7 professors, over allegations of forcing students to offer namaz during an NSS camp in Chhattisgarh? Here’s the full story behind the controversy and the legal steps that followed.
A strange case of forcing students to read namaz has come to light in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. Out of 159 students, only 4 were Muslim students. All the professors, student leaders and camp operators were Hindus. Some students complained that they were forced to read namaz. All the professors and student leaders who were accused are also Hindus.
In fact, a big controversy has erupted over this matter which happened during a National Service Scheme (NSS) camp of Guru Ghasidas Central University. The NSS camp was held in Shivtarai village from 26 March to 1 April 2025. It is alleged that 159 students were forced to read namaz on the day of Eid i.e. on March 31. Only four of them were Muslims. In this case, a case has been registered against seven professors and a student leader for hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity on religious grounds.
A bizarre incident involving the alleged forced offering of namaz by students has surfaced in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh. Out of 159 participating students, only four were Muslims, while the professors, student leaders, and camp organizers — all Hindus — were accused. Some students complained that they were compelled to perform namaz.
The controversy arose during a National Service Scheme (NSS) camp organized by Guru Ghasidas Central University, held in Shivtarai village from March 26 to April 1, 2025. According to allegations, on March 31 — the day of Eid — all 159 students were instructed to offer namaz. Following the complaints, an FIR was registered against seven professors and one student leader under charges of hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity on religious grounds.
There has been no official public statement yet from the accused professors or the student leader involved in the Bilaspur NSS camp controversy. It is believed they may be awaiting the outcomes of the police inquiry and the university’s internal investigation before responding publicly.
Some media reports and social media discussions have speculated that the accused might have intended the namaz session to be presented as a “cultural” or “community solidarity” exercise. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory. Students have consistently described the incident as an act of coercion, claiming they were neither informed nor given the choice to participate, and that they faced threats if they objected.
Social media claims suggest that all the accused professors and the student leader belong to the Hindu community, not the Muslim community. This detail challenges the assumption that the act was motivated by any particular religious group. However, this information has not been officially verified.
Some voices argue that the situation might have stemmed from a misunderstanding — an ill-conceived attempt to promote cultural harmony. Yet, this explanation has found little public support, given the serious allegations of coercion and threats, which are seen as grave ethical violations.
The incident has triggered a major controversy in Chhattisgarh and across the country, sparking intense debate around religious sensitivity. Reactions on social media have been polarized: while some called it an example of “Islamic influence,” others viewed it as a manifestation of rising intolerance towards minorities. Right-wing organizations protested strongly, demanding strict action, thus further politicizing the matter.
A related concern has also emerged regarding the dangers of viewing incidents like the recent Pahalgam attack through a communal lens, as it risks deepening religious divisions.
Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging a violation of students’ rights. This incident has intensified ongoing concerns about the mixing of religion and politics within educational spaces. Recent cases, such as the FIR filed against officials at a private university in Meerut for allegedly offering namaz without permission, highlight the growing sensitivity around such issues.
At the heart of the controversy is the critical issue of religious freedom. Under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, every citizen has the right to practice and propagate their religion — but this right must not infringe upon the freedoms of others. Forcing non-Muslim students to participate in a religious act without their consent represents a violation of these constitutional rights and risks escalating communal tensions.
The case also raises important questions about the role and responsibilities of teachers and administrators. NSS camps are intended to promote community service and social cohesion, not religious practices. The alleged lack of consent and the use of threats by those in authority represent serious ethical and administrative breaches.
This episode has deepened the existing social and political polarization. With right-wing groups amplifying the issue and social media fanning sharp divisions, the matter has quickly escalated into a national controversy. There is growing concern that such incidents could unfairly stigmatize entire communities, whereas the core issue lies in individual misconduct and institutional failure.
Ultimately, the Chhattisgarh case highlights urgent concerns surrounding religious freedom, the accountability of educational institutions, and the need for social unity. A fair, transparent investigation is essential to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and to prevent such incidents in the future. Educational institutions must emphasize that participation in religious activities must always be voluntary, respecting every student’s personal beliefs.
Resolving this matter requires not only legal action but also broader social dialogue and understanding, to ensure religious sensitivities are respected and to safeguard social harmony.
