Hindu girls attend iftar at Bhopal college, VHP activists 'purify' campus

An Iftar event at a private college in Bhopal's Neelbadh area sparked controversy after a video showed Hindu girls attending the gathering.

In Short

• Iftar event at Bhopal college sparks protests by Hindu groups
• Protesters accuse college of promoting Islamisation
• College defends event as celebration of communal harmony

A controversy erupted at a private college in Bhopal after an Iftar event held on March 11 triggered protests by Hindu organisations. The issue intensified after a video of the gathering went viral on social media.

According to the viral video, Muslim students and staff members were seen participating in the Iftar (evening meal served at sunset to break the daily fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan) organised inside the college campus. Some Hindu female students were also seen attending the event, which became the main reason behind the controversy.

Soon after the video surfaced, members of several Hindu organisations gathered outside the college gate and staged a protest. They raised slogans and recited the Hanuman Chalisa, alleging that the presence of Hindu girls at the Iftar was inappropriate and accusing the college of promoting the “Islamisation” of educational institutions.

During the demonstration, some activists also sprinkled Ganga water inside the campus as part of what they described as a “purification” ritual.

The situation turned tense, prompting authorities to deploy police and turn the area into a police-controlled zone to prevent any escalation.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad convenor Jitendra Chauhan alleged that a religious agenda was being run inside the college campus and said such activities would not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, the college administration defended the event, saying the institution celebrates festivals of all religions. Staff members said Holi had also been celebrated on campus recently and the Iftar gathering was organised in the spirit of communal harmony.

- Ends