Karnataka: FIR Against Shaheen PU College Principal Over Alleged Warning to Students for Raising ‘Vande Mataram’

August 20, 2026

Bidar: An FIR has been registered against the principal of Shaheen PU College in Chitguppa, Karnataka’s Bidar district, following allegations that students were stopped and warned after raising “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” slogans during Independence Day celebrations.

According to police, the case was registered against college principal Abdul Hakeem on a complaint filed by Hiroba Gowli, the father of student Sagar Gowli, at Chitguppa Police Station.

What happened at Shaheen PU College?

According to the complaint, Independence Day celebrations were held at the college on August 15, including flag-hoisting and cultural programmes, followed by the National Anthem.

The complaint alleges that after the National Anthem, some students raised slogans including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”.

At around 10 a.m., while students were leaving the campus, the principal allegedly stopped some of them and warned them against raising such slogans on the college premises.

The complaint further alleges that the principal said the slogans belonged to a particular religious community and that such activities would not be permitted on the campus.

Complaint alleges discrimination

The complainant has alleged that the principal discriminated between students belonging to Hindu and Muslim communities and acted in a manner that could create hostility among students and affect public peace.

The complaint also alleges that one student was kept in a room for nearly an hour and subjected to mental harassment.

The complaint was submitted at Chitguppa Police Station at around 7 p.m. on August 17.

FIR registered under BNS sections

Based on the complaint, Chitguppa Police registered Crime No. 97/2026 under Sections 126(2), 352 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The allegations are now part of the police investigation, and the FIR itself does not establish guilt against the accused.

Protests held outside college

The incident has also led to protests outside the college and Chitguppa Police Station.

Hindu organisations have demanded action against the college principal over the allegations.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the allegations made in the complaint.