Kota School Principal Arrested for Deleting Ganesh Chaturthi Post from WhatsApp Group

Kota ( Rajasthan ): A government school principal was arrested in Kota after allegedly deleting Ganesh Chaturthi greetings from the school’s WhatsApp group, triggering protests by villagers. The incident unfolded at the Government Senior Higher Secondary School in Laturi village, officials reported on Sunday.

Villagers Demand Principal’s Removal

Angry villagers held demonstrations outside the school, calling for the removal of Shafi Mohammed Ansari, the school's principal. The protests erupted after Ansari reportedly removed posts featuring Lord Ganesh’s image from the WhatsApp group, which included parents and teachers, according to DSP Narendra Nadar.

Police Arrest and Release on Bail

Ansari was arrested by the Bapawar Police under charges of disturbing communal harmony, SHO Uttam Singh confirmed. The principal was granted bail and released later that evening. The situation in the village remained peaceful following the protests.

The WhatsApp group, known as the School Management Development Committee (SMDC), became the center of controversy when a man posted a Ganesh Chaturthi greeting, which Ansari allegedly deleted. A similar incident occurred two hours later when a teacher uploaded a greeting, only for it to be removed again by the principal.

Authorities have initiated proceedings under Section 127 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) against Ansari for his actions.

(With PTI inputs)