The alleged attack on Mr. Alexander Coates Reid, the principal of DY Patil High School in Pune, has ignited a wave of controversy and debate. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor strongly condemned the incident, labeling it as "disgraceful" and emphasizing that such violent actions should not be associated with any decent Hindu. Free Press Journal reported that as the incident gained attention on social media, supporters and critics of the principal have emerged, shedding light on additional allegations and raising questions about the motivations behind the attack.
Outrage over the Alleged Attack
The purported video showing Principal Alexander Coates Reid running with his torn shirt after the alleged assault by Bajrang Dal activists quickly went viral on social media. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took to Twitter to express his strong disapproval, stating that the Bajrang Dal had no right to engage in such violent behavior and questioning their claims of defending Hinduism. His tweet, accompanied by the hashtag #NotInMyName, resonated with many who believe that the actions of a few should not define an entire community.
After muslim, Christian are new target of Hindutva:
— Gabbar (@Gabbar0099) July 6, 2023
Alexander Reid, the Principal of DY Patil English High School, Ambi, Pune, brutally beaten up by mob of hindutva militia organisation Bajrang Dal for conducting morning Christian prayer in the school. pic.twitter.com/CLLakXXOOQ
Additional Allegations Surface
Amidst the controversy surrounding the assault, a separate tangent has emerged, bringing to light additional allegations against the principal. Some students and parents have shown support for Principal Alexander Coates Reid, opposing claims that he installed CCTV cameras in the girls' washroom premises. Moreover, there are accusations that the principal led the recitation of Christian prayers exclusively, neglecting prayers from other faiths. The attackers, reportedly accompanied by parents, voiced their concerns over these issues.
Investigation into Allegations
In response to the allegations raised by parents, an investigation is currently underway. A parent has filed a complaint stating that the school failed to provide holidays on Hindu festivals, taught prayers exclusively from the Bible, and installed CCTV cameras outside the girls' restroom. The Talegaon MIDC police inspector, Ranjit Sawant, confirmed that they are actively looking into the matter.
Support for Principal Coates
This is disgraceful. What gives Bajrang Dal the right to take violent action with such impunity? And how dare they claim to be defending Hinduism? No decent Hindu behaves like this. #NotInMyName https://t.co/Soo80jNEc1
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 6, 2023
While facing these accusations, Principal Alexander Coates Reid has received support from students, teachers, and parents. Students gathered outside the school to demonstrate their solidarity with their principal, denouncing all the allegations against him as false. Screenshots of supportive messages from teachers and parents have been shared, highlighting the positive impact Principal Coates has had on the school and refuting the claims made against him. Some students voiced their belief that the incident was politically motivated, suggesting that certain individuals aimed to tarnish the principal's character for their own gain.
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