Supaul/ Patna: A teacher in Bihar has been arrested for allegedly raising slogans in praise of Muhammad Ali Jinnah during a Republic Day flag-hoisting ceremony, in an incident that authorities have described as “serious” and deeply provocative.
The incident took place on January 26 at Abhuwar High School in the Kishanganj block of Supaul, where the 77th Republic Day was being marked with a formal ceremony attended by students, teachers and staff. According to police, Mohammad Mansoor Alam, a teacher at the school, allegedly chanted “Long live Mr Jinnah” during the programme.
A video clip of the moment, recorded on a mobile phone, has since circulated widely on social media. Witnesses present at the ceremony objected immediately, and the school’s headmaster later submitted a written complaint to the local police station.
Investigators say several students have given statements supporting the allegation. According to police accounts, the teacher allegedly led slogans during the ceremony, first invoking Mahatma Gandhi, then Jinnah, followed by revolutionary slogans associated with Bhagat Singh.
Confirming the arrest, Supaul superintendent of police Sharath R S said the action was taken on the basis of the complaint and corroborating evidence. “Any such activity during a national ceremony is extremely serious,” he said, adding that further legal proceedings were under way.
