A complaint has been submitted to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by NGO watchdog Legal Rights Protection Forum seeking an inquiry into allegations of coercive religious activities involving minor girl students at the Chitkul Social Welfare Residential Girls’ Gurukul in Sangareddy district, Telangana.
The complaint follows a report published by Samayam Telugu on 3 September 2026, concerning an alleged incident at the residential institution located in Chitkul, Isnapur Municipality.
Came to know through several news reports that minor girl students at the Chitkul Social Welfare Residential Girls’ Gurukul in Sangareddy District, Telangana, were being compelled to participate in Christian prayers and forced to read the Bible.
The matter came to light during… pic.twitter.com/E1PjhkUNr0
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) September 7, 2026
According to the report cited in the complaint, junior girl students allegedly told an inspecting public representative that senior students were compelling them to participate in prayers. Bibles were also reportedly found on students’ beds during the inspection.
The matter was subsequently brought to the notice of the Sangareddy District Collector and senior officials of the Social Welfare Department. The District Collector reportedly ordered an inquiry into the allegations.
The complaint argues that if students were being forced or pressured to participate in prayers or Bible-reading against their wishes, the conduct could raise concerns relating to their freedom of conscience and freedom of religion.
It has therefore sought an independent examination of the circumstances at the institution, including the alleged role of students, teachers, the Principal, Warden and other staff members.
Questions Over Source of Religious Material
The complaint has also sought an investigation into how the Bibles and other religious literature allegedly reached the institution.
It has asked authorities to determine whether the material was obtained individually by students or distributed or supplied by staff, visitors, outside individuals or organisations.
The complaint further seeks verification of whether any NGO, charitable body, religious or missionary organisation, or other external entity had access to the institution or its students.
If any such organisation is found to have been involved, the complaint has sought examination of its activities, permissions, association with the institution and funding. It has also sought verification of FCRA compliance wherever applicable, particularly if foreign funding is found to be involved.
Seeks Wider Verification Across Telangana
LRPF has also called for the issue to be examined beyond the Chitkul Gurukul.
It has urged the NHRC to direct the Telangana government and the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS) to verify Social Welfare Residential Schools, hostels, junior colleges and other institutions under its administration across the state.
The proposed verification would seek to establish whether similar instances of compulsory religious prayers, religious instruction, distribution of religious literature or other religious activities involving students are taking place elsewhere.
The complaint says the exercise should apply to activities relating to all religions and focus specifically on whether students are being coerced or prevented from exercising their freedom of conscience.
Seeks Confidential Statements From Students
The complainant has also raised concerns about whether minor students would be able to speak freely in an internal institutional inquiry.
It has therefore requested that students’ statements, wherever necessary, be recorded confidentially and independently and without the presence of persons against whom allegations have been made.
It has also sought preservation and examination of relevant records, including complaints, inquiry proceedings, inspection reports, visitor registers, CCTV footage where available and correspondence with external organisations.
What the Complaint Wants the NHRC to Do
The complaint has requested the NHRC to take cognizance of the matter and issue notices to the Secretary of TSWREIS, the Chief Secretary of Telangana and the Sangareddy District Collector.
It has sought the complete inquiry report reportedly ordered by the District Collector, including statements recorded, persons examined, findings and action taken.
The complaint further seeks an independent inquiry into the alleged coercive religious activities and examination of the roles, if any, played by students, the Principal, Warden, teachers, other staff members and external individuals or organisations.
It has also sought appropriate disciplinary or legal action if the inquiry establishes negligence, facilitation of the alleged activities, suppression of complaints or involvement of officials, staff, outside individuals or organisations.
The complaint has additionally requested scrutiny of any foreign-funded NGO or other organisation found to be involved, including examination of its funding and FCRA compliance wherever applicable.
The NHRC has been requested to determine whether the alleged compulsory participation of students in religious prayers amounted to a violation of their freedom of conscience and freedom of choice, and to issue appropriate directions or recommendations for safeguarding the rights and safety of the students.
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