Assam School Expels Five Students After Alleged Beef Tiffin Row
Government school building in Assam amid controversy over a tiffin-related dispute involving students. (A representative image)
By TRH News Desk
Police have registered an FIR based on complaints from parents, while officials say there is no conclusive evidence yet establishing whether the food item involved was beef.
Guwahati, June 9, 2026 — Five students of a government school in Assam’s Goalpara district have been expelled following a controversy over allegations that they brought beef in a tiffin box and attempted to offer it to Hindu classmates, according to a report published by Deccan Chronicle.
The decision was taken on Tuesday by the School Management Development Committee (SDMC) of Habraghat High School in Krishnai, Goalpara district, amid heightened tensions surrounding the incident, said the report.
According to the report, the controversy began on June 5 when five Class 9 students allegedly brought what was claimed to be beef in a tiffin box. Complaints were subsequently made by the parents of two Hindu students, who alleged that the Muslim students attempted to compel their children to consume the food.
School authorities initially attempted to address the matter internally because of its sensitive nature. However, the issue reportedly escalated after students discussed the incident with family members and residents in the village, drawing the attention of local organisations and community groups.
Security sources cited in the report said complaints were filed with the police, leading to the registration of an FIR. The mother of one of the students was arrested on June 7 under provisions of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, while the minor student associated with the tiffin box was detained for questioning. The four other students, all juveniles, were also questioned by police.
The president of the School Management Development Committee, Subrata Das, told reporters that the committee had decided to expel the five students after reviewing the matter.
In a related development, the Inspector of Schools for the district reportedly ordered a ban on non-vegetarian food items in schools following the controversy. “The directive applies to schools under the district’s jurisdiction and is aimed at preventing similar incidents from arising in educational institutions,” said the report.
However, security sources also acknowledged that investigators had not established conclusive evidence regarding whether the food brought by the students was in fact beef. Officials told the publication that the police action was based on complaints lodged by parents alleging that the students had attempted to force their children to consume the food item.
Authorities are maintaining close surveillance over the situation amid concerns that the controversy could trigger communal tensions in the area. Additional attention has focused on the case because Goalpara district has a significant Muslim population and the allegations involve sensitive religious and dietary issues, said the report.
Police investigations are continuing, and officials have urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information while the matter remains under inquiry.
“The incident has sparked debate over school disciplinary measures, food restrictions in educational institutions, and the handling of communal sensitivities in Assam,” said the report.
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