Telangana Missionary School Vandalised over Saffron Attire Row; 2 FIRS Lodged

A missionary school in Telangana's Mancherial district was vandalized and staff was assaulted following a dispute over students wearing religious attire. The incident occurred at St. Mother Teresa English Medium School in Luxettipet, Kannepalli village, where a group of villagers reportedly belonging to another community vandalized the premises after students, observing a 41-day 'Hanuman Deeksha', was allegedly told to seek permission for wearing saffron attire instead of their uniforms. The act of vandalism, captured in a widely circulated video, showed the mob, donned in saffron, chanting 'Jai Sri Ram' slogans.

According to Mancherial Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ashok Kumar, the altercation stemmed from the school's directive for students to wear uniforms after exams, with prior permission required for saffron attire. The situation escalated due to past grievances against the principal and coincided with a nearby temple visit on a Tuesday. Two FIRs were filed by the Dandepally police based on complaints from the parents and the school administration. The parents alleged religious insensitivity and incitement to discord, while the school administration reported trespassing, assault on the correspondent, and property damage, estimating a loss of Rs 30,000.

Father Jaimon Joseph, the school correspondent, refuted claims of barring students and stated that permission would have been granted upon request. He attributed the incident to misinformation spread on social media, resulting in a premeditated attack by over 500 individuals. The school management clarified that the principal requested the parents to address the attire issue. However, the situation escalated when a video alleging religious discrimination surfaced, inciting protests and vandalism. The mob's actions included damaging school property and assaulting staff, with demands for an apology.

The police have registered cases against school management under IPC sections 153a and 295-A for promoting enmity and insulting religious sentiments, respectively. The vandals were charged under sections 323, 427, 452, 506, 143, and 149 for assault, mischief, trespassing, intimidation, and unlawful assembly. Videos that surfaced on social media depicted the chaotic scene, with saffron-clad individuals vandalizing school property and harassing staff. Reports indicated assaults on the principal and forcible tilak application. The protesters demanded a school apology. Law enforcement efforts have been initiated, with investigations underway into the incident; however, no arrests have been reported thus far.​