Center Religious Freedom Under Attack: Professor Sent on Leave for Offering Namaz

A professor at a private college in Aligarh has been placed on leave by the authorities after he was seen offering namaz in an open space on the campus. A video surfaced on social media showing professor SK Khalid praying in a garden within the campus of Shri Varshney College, prompting the college authorities to set up a probe panel.

Following the viral video, right-wing organizations, including the () and Yuva Morcha, staged protests against the professor and the college.

“I was on leave at the time of the incident. Upon my return, I conducted an investigation. The professor explained to me that he was in a hurry and prayed in a park. A probe has been initiated to examine the details of the case. Based on the panel’s findings, appropriate action will be taken,” said principal AK Gupta.

Officials stated that the panel, established on Sunday, is expected to submit its report this week. “The probe committee will convene to determine if an apology is necessary,” Gupta added.

Right-wing groups in the area argued that campuses should not be used to promote religious beliefs. No () has been filed in connection with the incident.