Hyderabad’s Champapet Sainik School Bars Class 10 Students Wearing Durga Mata Malas From Special Classes

Class 10 students wearing Durga Mata malas were stopped from attending special classes at Sainik School, a private school in Hyderabad’s Champapet area, on Monday, October 12, 2026. Parents protested outside the school, saying the students should not have to remove the malas to continue their lessons.

What happened at the Champapet school?

The students had come to the school in Maruthi Nagar for special classes while observing a religious practice associated with Durga Mata. Parents said they were told the students could attend only if they removed their malas. They objected to the students missing classes and demanded that the school allow them to study without that condition.

Local BJP leaders joined the protest, and police went to the school as tensions rose.

What action has been taken?

The school suspended a Telugu teacher over the decision to prevent the students from attending the special classes. Police said they had received a complaint from parents, registered a case concerning allegations of hurt religious sentiments and were investigating the facts.

It has not been established whether the school has a written rule covering religious items or whether the affected students have since been allowed to attend the classes. Claims that the school applies different rules to students of other religions have not been verified.