Local authorities in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district demolished a school building on Tuesday, accusing its builder of operating an unapproved madrasa. The demolition took place in Dhaba village under Bhainsdehi subdivision. Officials said the structure was built without authorization, while heavy police were deployed during the operation. The incident has sparked tension in the area.

Resident Abdon Naim, who spent 2 million rupees constructing the school, said the building was incomplete and classes had not yet started. He had applied for approval from the state’s School Education Department on December 30 and later received a no-objection certificate from the village panchayat after local protests. Despite this, a team led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ajit Maravi proceeded with the demolition.

Reports noted that Madhya Pradesh has 83,000 government schools, many lacking basic facilities, yet they continue to operate. The demolition of a school labeled as a madrasa has been viewed as an example of ongoing Islamophobia in the country.