A Maulana from Bihar has accused members of Hindu organisations of harassment and threats in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, after they objected to him teaching the Quran to Muslim children in Kunaun village, Pauri district. The incident has sparked community tension and prompted a police inquiry into conflicting claims.
According to locals, the Maulana had been quietly conducting basic Quranic lessons for children from neighbouring Muslim families inside a small shop for an extended period. No formal madrasa was involved—only informal religious instruction at home-level.
The controversy erupted when activists from groups including Vishwa Hindu Shakti Sangathan and Bajrang Dal raised objections, alleging the activity was illegal. They questioned the Maulana’s identity, claiming his Aadhaar card lacked proper local verification and appeared suspicious. They further argued that a previous madrasa in the village had been shut by court order, and similar teaching should not continue in a shop.
Raghuvendra Bhatnagar of Vishwa Hindu Shakti Sangathan said, “The name, address and date of birth on the Aadhaar card appear doubtful. We need to know who he is and why he is teaching here.”
Naresh Uniyal of Bajrang Dal added that allowing such classes posed a potential threat and should not be permitted.
The Maulana strongly denied wrongdoing. Speaking to reporters, he said, “I am from Bihar and have lived in Uttarakhand for 15 years. I do not run a madrasa. I only teach Quran reading to children from nearby homes. Had anyone approached respectfully, I would have shown all documents.” He alleged the group arrived as a mob, shouted threats, called him a “Pakistani,” and humiliated him. “Teaching the Quran to Muslim children is not a crime,” he emphasised.
A widely circulated video captured the heated confrontation, with raised voices and a brief scuffle before police arrived.
This story was originally published in muslimmirror.com. Read the full story here.