In a developing and deeply unsettling incident from Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district, more than 150 Hindu students have stepped forward with serious allegations. They claim they were forced to offer namaz during a National Service Scheme (NSS) camp held by Guru Ghasidas Central University. A formal complaint has already been submitted at Koni police station, accusing the camp organisers of religious coercion, mental manipulation, and issuing threats to withhold participation certificates, which are essential for their academic records.

As detailed in the complaint, the week-long NSS camp took place between March 26 and April 1 in the forest region of Shivtarai, situated in the Kota block. In total, 159 students were present, out of which only four were Muslim, and the rest were Hindu.

The incident has sparked serious debate and concern, particularly because all mobile phones were seized during the incident, and students were not allowed to record any part of what transpired. This has limited the availability of direct visual evidence, but numerous students have voiced their objections, both verbally and through written complaints.

One of the most controversial moments occurred on March 31, the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. According to the students, the camp coordinator invited the four Muslim students on stage and guided them to offer namaz publicly. Following this, the remaining Hindu students were instructed to imitate the same ritual, step by step.

“We were instructed to learn and repeat the namaz steps. It felt like a deliberate attempt to mentally condition us,” said one of the students, who preferred not to be named.

The allegations indicate that this was not a one-time incident. Students claim it was a systematic effort to influence their religious beliefs, cleverly masked under the idea of cultural exchange.

Adding to the controversy, the students' mobile phones were deliberately collected, ensuring that no photos or videos could be taken during the incident.

“We were specifically barred from using our phones, likely so that no evidence could surface,” said another student.

Despite several students raising objections, the camp coordinator and program officer reportedly used threats to maintain control. The students were told that failure to comply would lead to denial of participation certificates, a crucial element for their NSS credentials and future academic standing.

After returning from the camp, a group of students formally submitted their complaint to the Koni police station, naming Dr. Basant Kumar (program officer), coordinator Dilip Jha, and several others. The complaint has called for immediate legal and disciplinary action.

Confirming the complaint, Koni TI Lakheswar Kewat stated: “The matter is under preliminary investigation. We are collecting factual evidence from the university authorities. If a cognizable offence is established, a formal FIR will be registered.”

Interestingly, Guru Ghasidas Central University has officially distanced itself from the incident, claiming no formal complaints have reached them. However, in light of media coverage, university media in-charge MN Tripathi has acknowledged the seriousness of the issue. 

“We are taking this matter seriously. A committee has been constituted to uncover the facts and determine accountability,” Tripathi stated.

Former Chhattisgarh Congress president Dhanendra Sahu also reacted strongly to the reports, telling Haribhoomi, "For the first time, I’ve heard of a religious activity being conducted at an NSS camp. This matter from Bilaspur is extremely serious. Non-Muslim students being made to offer namaz needs to be thoroughly investigated. Strict action should be taken in this case. Ever since the BJP government came to power, law and order seems to have ceased to exist."

In a separate but equally concerning incident, police have registered an FIR after a video surfaced online, showing namaz being offered in an open area at a private university during Holi celebrations. This video has raised concerns over communal tension.

Ganga Nagar SHO Anoop Singh confirmed that a case was filed based on a complaint from Kartik Hindu.
IIMT University spokesperson Sunil Sharma added that their internal investigation revealed the public namaz and video circulation appeared to be an intentional act aimed at disturbing communal harmony.

Previous Allegations Against MSF Activities on Campus

The recent controversy at Guru Ghasidas Central University is not the first time the institution has been under scrutiny for issues related to religious radicalism. Around two years ago, a serious concern had come to light when students alleged that the Muslim Students Federation (MSF) was growing more active on campus and was involved in targeting Hindu students for religious conversion. These efforts, as per student claims, included the use of online propaganda and peer manipulation.

It was reported that WhatsApp and Instagram groups were the main tools used by MSF members to bring students—particularly those from Kerala—into their fold. Some students said their numbers were added without their permission, and that MSF members lured them in by pretending to help them adjust to university life.

There was also an Instagram account operating under the MSF name, which raised eyebrows because it used the university’s official logo without any authorisation. This misuse led to serious concern within the university administration. In response, Vice Chancellor Prof. Alok Chakrawal launched an internal investigation.

“Any organisation misusing the university logo or operating without approval is in serious violation of our policies. We are probing how such activities were allowed to continue,” Prof. Chakrawal had said during that period.

According to several students, the alleged MSF WhatsApp groups mainly targeted Malayali students, especially young women. Some of these students shared that they had been contacted by unknown callers, who claimed to be MSF members. These callers offered help with communication, local travel, and academic queries, which made the students feel comfortable joining the group.

“They said they would help us with communication, local travel, and academic queries. That’s why we joined. We didn’t know it was affiliated with any political or religious agenda,” one student explained.

This disturbing situation reminded many of the storyline in the controversial movie The Kerala Story, which portrayed the manipulation and conversion of Hindu girls by radical organisations. The parallel between the real-life complaints and the movie’s narrative has not gone unnoticed by students and observers alike.

Awaiting Action and Accountability

With such serious allegations now being brought forward, the focus has again shifted towards Guru Ghasidas Central University. There is rising demand for the institution to act transparently, take strict action, and most importantly, protect the secular character of academic spaces.

The recent events at the NSS camp, coupled with earlier MSF-linked controversies, have led to a larger discussion on how religious influences are creeping into university campuses. It also points to how student networks might be misused, and how vulnerable young minds can be targeted in environments that are politically or religiously charged.

The call for accountability and preventive measures is now louder than ever.