“He wants to convert us through food:” Indian school principal expels Muslim student for bringing biryani in tiffin

A seven-year-old Muslim student was expelled from a prominent school in the Indian city of Amroha by the principal for bringing biryani, a non-vegetarian dish, in his lunchbox.

The school principal made derogatory remarks about the student's religion, stating that he “would not teach children who would demolish temples after growing up and convert others through food dishes.”

A video circulated on social media showing the school principal, Avnish Kumar Sharma, accusing the student's mother of teaching her child “to disrespect and harm Hindus in future.”

He told the mother that her son had been expelled from school for bringing non-vegetarian food.

The mother also complained that her son mentioned his classmates constantly discussed Hindu-Muslim topics.

The principal refused to listen to the mother, who stated that her son, a Class 3 student, told her upon returning home that he had been “mistreated and locked in a room.”

A 4-5-year-old Muslim child was expelled from Hilton Public School, Amroha, over allegations of bringing non-veg food.

The principal allegedly stated, "We can't educate kids who break our temples, harm Hindus, talk about converting all Hindus, and destroying Ram Mandir." pic.twitter.com/7E3duOyNn9

— Mohd Shadab Khan (@VoxShadabKhan) September 5, 2024

In the video, principal Avnish Kumar admitted to locking the child and threatening the woman that he would call the police if she didn't leave the school premises.

The Amroha district inspector of schools (DIoS) ordered an inquiry into the incident and assured that action would be taken following the investigation's findings.

The local Muslim committee in Amroha condemned the incident and sent a letter to the Union education minister, urging them to investigate the matter and punish the principal.