Muslim student expelled from Uttar Pradesh college for keeping beard
Lucknow: A Muslim student has been expelled from a college in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh state for keeping beard.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the student, Farman Ali, was studying at Azad Naurang Inter College in Hobiganj, Bareilly. The incident gained widespread attention after a video of the expulsion went viral on social media. The viral video shows Farman being denied entry into the college by the principal, sparking calls for action.
Farman’s elder brother, Zeeshan Ali, has lodged formal complaints with the district magistrate and state government.
Zeeshan Ali said that Farman faced pressure from the college principal to shave his beard. Over the past month, Farman was threatened with expulsion and failure if he did not comply. On July 31, when Farman arrived at the college with his beard intact, the principal reportedly refused him entry, saying, “This is a college, not a madrasa. Cut your beard; you can’t study here like this.” The principal then expelled him from the premises.
Zeeshan has filed complaints with the district magistrate and the chief minister’s office, demanding immediate action. “We have appealed for a resolution and sought an explanation for this unjust treatment,” Zeeshan said.
The video has incited public outrage and has been covered by various news outlets. TV9 Hindi criticized the principal’s actions as harsh and discriminatory. Local newspaper Amar Ujala released a video showing Zeeshan arguing with the principal, who is seen threatening and using inappropriate language.
