A dispute between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers and the administration of Mother Velankanni English School and Junior College in Nalasopara East escalated into chaos on Tuesday. The incident, which began as a protest over alleged withholding of 10th-grade students’ leaving certificates and mark sheets, turned into a heated confrontation and physical scuffle between MNS workers and the school’s trust chairperson, Asha D’Souza.
MNS members, accompanied by concerned parents, visited the school to demand answers from the administration, accusing it of intentionally withholding students’ documents to pressure them into securing admission for Classes 11 and 12 in the same institution. During the confrontation, a verbal altercation erupted when Asha D’Souza objected to being recorded on a mobile phone by MNS workers. The situation soon turned physical, with both sides accusing each other of assault.
Asha D’Souza alleged that MNS members vandalized school property, damaged tables and chairs, and assaulted her. On the other hand, MNS supporters claimed that D’Souza threw slippers at them and dragged a student who had complained about the school’s refusal to issue documents.
Following this, MNS workers staged a sit-in protest in front of the principal's office, demanding immediate action and document release.
The school administration strongly denied the allegations. Asha D’Souza clarified, “The school has not withheld any leaving certificates or mark sheets. We reopened on June 16, and we are simply asking students to submit a written request for their documents. Since we also run Classes 11 and 12, we have only informed students and parents about the available admission options—there is no compulsion.”
The Tulinj Police were called in to pacify the situation. They successfully brought the matter under control. However, based on the school’s official complaint, the police have announced they will be filing a case against MNS office bearers for vandalism and disruption.
This incident has reignited concerns over political interference in educational institutions and raised questions about student rights, school policies, and the growing tensions in local governance.