New Delhi: A major controversy has erupted at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) after a notice allegedly announcing the replacement of chicken biryani with beef biryani at the university’s Suleiman Hall went viral on social media. It sparked outrage among Hindu students and local residents. Cops have registered an FIR against two students and a professor in this regard.
The notice, allegedly issued by senior food monitors of Suleiman Hall, stated that “as per student demand, beef biryani will be served instead of chicken biryani for Sunday lunch”. The announcement led to immediate protests, with several students and former students condemning the decision. Hindu students and community members have demanded strict action against those responsible.
Typing error, says university administration
The university administration has dismissed the notice as a “typing error”. AMU proctor Wasim Ali clarified that no such change was made to the menu and that meals were being served as per the usual schedule. The FIR was lodged against students—Mohammad Faizullah and Mujassim Ahmed Bhati—along with a professor from the university.
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“There might have been a misunderstanding in the wording. The correct term should have been ‘buff biryani’ instead of ‘beef biryani’. The moment this issue came to our notice, we issued a clarification and retracted the notice,” said Dr Furkhan, in charge of Suleiman Hall. He further added that the university houses students from diverse backgrounds and assured that no communal disharmony was intended.
A fact-finding committee was established to investigate the matter, with its report expected within 48 hours. Meanwhile, the two senior food monitors involved were removed from their positions, also show-cause notices were issued to the concerned students.
Protests continue within and outside the campus
Despite the university’s clarification, protests continued both within and outside the campus. Several former students and local Hindu groups gathered near the university to express their dissatisfaction, demanding stricter action against those involved. Some protesters warned that if firm steps were taken it could lead to communal tensions on campus.
Speaking on the issue, research scholar Dilip Kushwaha from the Mechanical Engineering Department criticised the reaction, “This controversy is being exaggerated unnecessarily. The notice had no official stamp or signature, and yet an FIR has been lodged against students who are now under immense pressure.”
