In recent days, a video has captured the attention of social media users, rapidly going viral with a compelling claim attached to it. According to the narrative surrounding the footage, the person shown in the video, dressed in torn clothes, is believed to be the principal of D Y Patil School. It is alleged that this individual was subjected to a physical assault by Hindu extremists as a response to their purported act of conducting Christian prayer within the school premises.
A known propagandist fake news peddler Ashok Swain took to social media to highlight the incident. Ashok claimed that Hindu supremacists in Maharashtra, India, have beaten up a school principal because of Christian prayer in school.
Another Twitter user, Abdulla Alamadi shared the viral video and expressed a concern about the agenda of the ruling party (BJP), suggesting that it aims to promote hatred against minorities, foster intolerance, and discourage acceptance of others. According to Alamadi’s interpretation of the video, a school principal was allegedly assaulted by a Hindu mob due to their involvement in conducting a Christian prayer.
Furthermore, another Twitter user, Gabbar, shared the viral video and asserts that, in addition to Muslims, Christians have become the new target of Hindutva ideology. He identifies the individual in the video as Alexander Reid, the Principal of DY Patil English High School in Ambi, Pune. According to Gabbar’s claim, Reid was subjected to a brutal assault by a mob affiliated with the Hindutva militia organization Bajrang Dal. He claimed that the alleged reason behind the attack was Reid’s involvement in conducting a morning Christian prayer within the school.
So, is it true that the Principal of DY Patil English High School was beaten by Hindu extremists only for conducting Christian prayer in the school? Let’s Fact Check.
Fact Check
During our investigation, we conducted keyword research surrounding the incident involving the principal of DY Patil English High School. In our search, we came across a report published on July 6, 2023, by India Today. This report sheds light on a controversial situation that unfolded at a school in Pune, where students expressed concerns about the presence of CCTV cameras in the girls’ washrooms. These concerns were brought to the attention of their parents, sparking a significant outcry.
According to the report, the principal of DY Patil School in Pune’s Talegaon became the target of violence at the hands of members belonging to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a right-wing organization. These individuals allegedly accused the school of compelling students to recite Christian prayers, further exacerbating the situation. Additionally, the report includes a picture showing the presence of CCTV cameras in the girls’ washroom, which added fuel to the parents’ outrage.
In response to the incident, parents of the students have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and strict action against the school authorities. Moreover, Sudam Walunj, an education department official, has stated that appropriate measures will be taken against the principal by the school administration.
Continuing our investigation, we encountered another report published on July 6, 2023, by Jagran. This report sheds further light on the incident involving the principal of a private school in Pune, Maharashtra. According to the report, the principal was subjected to assault, allegedly carried out by members of a right-wing outfit. The incident unfolded following complaints from parents regarding the installation of a CCTV camera in the girls’ restroom.
The report highlights the grievances expressed by parents, who alleged that the school not only installed a CCTV camera in the washroom designated for girl students but also conducted prayers from the Bible and failed to grant holidays on Hindu festivals. MIDC police inspector Ranjit Sawant confirmed these claims, acknowledging that they are currently being investigated by the police.
Furthermore, we extended our research to Twitter, focusing on the keywords “CCTV camera installed in the girl’s washroom.” In our search, we came across a video shared by a Twitter user named Siddhi Somana. The video posted by Siddhi Somana sheds light on the matter at hand by providing visual evidence of the CCTV camera present inside the girls’ washroom. The video serves as a significant piece of evidence that validates the concerns raised by parents.
So, all these points strongly suggest that the primary reason behind the assault on the principal was not the alleged Christian prayers conducted in the school but rather the installation of CCTV cameras in the girls’ washroom. These incidents led to widespread upset and anger among the parents, eventually resulting in a physical attack on the principal, supported by right-wing activists. However, the parents’ reaction went beyond the physical assault. They also took legal action by filing a complaint against both the principal and the school authorities with the police.
| Claim | Principal of DY Patil English High School was beaten by Hindu extremists only for conducting Christian prayer in the school |
| Claimed by | Ashok Swain, Abdulla Alamadi, Gabbar, etc |
| Fact Check | Misleading |
The goal of the Only Fact Team is to provide authentic news facts and debunk lies to safeguard readers’ interests.
Dear Readers, we are working to debunk fake news which is against India. We don’t have corporate funding like others. Your small support will help us grow further.
If you like our work, support and donate us using the Livix Media Foundation QR code.
Jai Hind!
