Police in Bareilly’s Baheri area have registered a case against Rajneesh Gangwar, a teacher at MGM Inter College, after a video of him singing a song discouraging participation in the Kanwar Yatra went viral on social media.
The complaint was filed by the Mahakal Seva Samiti, a local religious group, which alleged that the song hurt religious sentiments.
The video, recorded during a school prayer assembly, shows Gangwar singing, “Tum Kanwar lene mat jana… gyaan ka deep jalaana” (Don’t go to fetch Kanwar, light the lamp of knowledge instead). The line sparked protests from right-wing Hindu groups, who claimed that it mocked a sacred religious tradition and disrespected Hindu beliefs.
The Mahakal Seva Samiti submitted a formal complaint at the local police station, following which an FIR was lodged and a probe initiated. While no arrests have been made so far, the police are examining the video and seeking additional statements from the teacher and school authorities.
Controversy Sparks Mixed Reactions
The video triggered polarised reactions on social media. While many users accused the teacher of promoting anti-Hindu sentiments, others defended his message as a call to prioritize education. Several commenters pointed out that the teacher had not directly insulted any faith but had merely urged students to focus on studies.
Some Hindu groups, however, viewed the message as a veiled criticism of Hindu festivals and traditions, particularly at a time when the Kanwar Yatra is in full swing across northern India.
Teacher Defends His Intentions
Rajneesh Gangwar, who has been with the school for several years, said he had no intention of hurting anyone’s religious beliefs. “I only meant to motivate students to focus on education. There was nothing anti-religious in the song,” he said in a statement.
He also claimed that the video was old and had been deliberately circulated during the month of Shravan (Sawan) to stir controversy.
Education Department’s Response
District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) Dr. Ajit Kumar Singh confirmed that the education department has looked into the matter. “We conducted an inquiry and took a written explanation from the teacher. There was no malicious intent in his actions,” Dr. Singh said, adding that the timing of the video's release appeared to be deliberate.
As the investigation continues, the incident has reignited debate around freedom of expression in educational institutions and the increasingly tense intersections of religion and public discourse in India.
