On February 17, videos surfaced on social media capturing the protest of Hijab-wearing students outside a government school in Pipar town, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
The students confronted school authorities, claiming they were barred from entering due to wearing Hijab. Allegedly, a teacher made derogatory remarks, referring to them as ‘Chambal k daaku (Dacoit of Chambal)’ and threatened to deduct marks in upcoming exams if they continued wearing Hijab.
Saniya Khan, a 12th-grade student, recounted the incident, stating a teacher abruptly entered the classroom, singled out Hijab-wearing students, and demanded they leave if they wanted to cover their heads. The teacher reportedly used Islamophobic language, calling them ‘dacoits of Chambal.’ When students confronted her, she insisted they leave the school.
The female teacher and a male colleague allegedly made Islamophobic remarks, which they initially denied but later acknowledged upon intervention by parents and school authorities. They promised not to repeat the behavior.
On February 20, members of Hindu right-wing organizations gathered outside the school, demanding the barring of Hijab-wearing students. The group included members from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Shiv Sena, and Hindu Yuva Vahini. They chanted slogans, threatening to use bulldozers to enforce their views.
Parents confronted the group, leading to tensions outside the school.
The school principal, Ramkishor, filed a complaint at Pipar City Police Station on February 20, alleging obstruction of official work and threats by unknown individuals. The police registered the complaint under sections 143, 353, 452, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.