'Mother Teresa' Missionary school denies entry to Hindu students wearing saffron during Hanuman Deeksha observance
Lakshettipet, Telangana, India 
15 April, 2024
Case Summary
In the Luxettipet region of Telangana, tension escalated at Mother Teresa School on April 16, 2024, when the administration objected to students wearing religious attire during their 21-day Hanuman Deeksha observance. The students, dressed in saffron attire, were denied entry to their classes. This decision led to protests by a religious group outside the school premises. The situation quickly turned violent, with protesters vandalising the school property. Following the incident, police were called to the scene to restore order and prevent further escalation of violence. FIRs were filed against both the school management and the protesters. The school management accused several individuals of forcibly entering the premises, assaulting staff members and causing damage to property. They reported losses amounting to Rs 30,000, including damage to gates and a statue of Mother Teresa. Meanwhile, the parents of the students lodged a complaint against the school administration, alleging discrimination and violation of their religious rights. They asserted that while prayers of one community were allowed, the Hanuman Deeksha observance, involving the wearing of sacred beads and saffron attire, was not permitted. The school correspondent, Father Jaimon Joseph claimed that permission would have been granted had the parents approached the school authorities.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
In this case, there is a strong suspicion that the Missionary School was trying to subtly indoctrinate the children to alienate them from their professed faith - Hinduism. However, the school said that had the parents approached the school to take permission for the changed attire, the school would have allowed. Every school enforces uniform rules and therefore, the explanation by the school may be plausible. For that reason, this case is being added to undecided database.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Christian Extremists
Perpetrators Range
N/A
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
