A school in Karnataka’s Bidar, Shaheen School, has been charged for sedition for portraying PM Modi in a poor light in relation to CAA and NRC. The principal of the school and other authorities were booked for “promoting enmity between different groups”.

The case was registered based on a complaint filed by social worker Neelesh Rakshyal on January 26. It was alleged that the school used the students to perform a drama whereby Modi was “abused” for introducing Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).  The complainant alleged that the play was spreading misinformation by saying that Muslims in India have to leave the country because of NRC. This message was shared on social media to spread misinformation, the complaint said. 

The complainant said, “The management tried to create ‘fear’ among the Muslims that they would have to leave the country if the CAA and NRC are implemented”.

In the play, which was performed on January 21, the participating children say that if anyone asks for documents then they should be hit with slippers. In the video of the play, a child is heard telling another child, “The government is telling Muslims to leave India and go away.” In reply, the other child says, “Amma, Modi is saying show documents of your father and grandfather otherwise he is telling us to leave the country.” At this point, another child is heard saying, “Hit them with slippers if anybody asks for documents.”

The man who uploaded a video of the play on Facebook, Mohamad Yusuf has been named as Accused 3. They have been booked under sections 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 505(2) (Statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes), 124A (sedition), 153A (promoting, attempting to promote disharmony) and 34 (common intent) of the Indian Penal Code. 

Speaking to India Today TV, SP Bidar confirmed the reports and said that they were questioning the students who participated in the skit to know who tutored them. 

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