Islamic Homework to Hindu Student Triggers Protest, Teacher Sacked in Hyderabad

A private school in Hyderabad has found itself at the centre of a major controversy after a Grade-II teacher allegedly assigned Islamic religious instructions as homework to all students, including the lone Hindu student in the class. The incident, which quickly gained attention on social media, led to protests outside the school, political reactions, and the termination of the teacher's services .

According to police, the incident occurred on Wednesday , when the teacher instructed students to read the 'Kalma' , a declaration of faith in Islam, as part of their homework. The class reportedly had 25 students , with only one Hindu child enrolled.

The issue came to light after the six-year-old student's family discovered the instructions in his homework diary. The child's aunt questioned the school authorities, arguing that religion-based assignments should only be given to students who voluntarily opt for them . She also alleged that the school principal initially described it as a mandatory religious topic for all students. However, the teacher reportedly admitted that writing the instruction in the Hindu student's diary was a mistake .

A video of the family's confrontation with school officials soon went viral, fuelling public outrage. On Thursday , members of right-wing organisations staged a protest outside the school, prompting police to detain over 30 protesters as a preventive measure to maintain law and order.

Charminar Zone DCP Khare Kiran Prabhakar said the homework assignment violated both the education policy and the school's internal guidelines . Following the controversy, the school management dismissed the teacher from service.

Meanwhile, the child's parents later wrote to the school principal stating that they had accepted the teacher's apology and requested that the school reconsider its decision to terminate her. However, the school has not announced any decision on revoking the dismissal.

Police confirmed that the parents have not filed any formal complaint , adding that they are satisfied with the action taken by the school. As a result, no criminal case has been registered so far. Officials clarified that any further legal action would depend on the filing of a complaint and subsequent legal opinion.

The controversy also drew political attention. Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar criticised the school management and demanded strict action, while Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders called for the institution's recognition to be revoked. Police have appealed to the public not to spread rumours as the matter has been resolved between the family and the school.