Bengaluru

The father of Muskan Khan, a Karnataka College student from Mandya district who hit the headlines for shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ in the college premises when confronted by right-wing supporters at the height of the hijab crisis in the state, has appealed not to drag her into controversy after Al Qaeda chief Ayman Al Zawahiri praised her in a video.

Mohammad Hussain maintained that his daughter was more interested in her studies.

He said he and his family, including Muskan, do not want any unwanted attention. "It has become a big headache for us. We do not know him. I saw Zawahiri for the first time. We are happy here and living like brothers in Mandya district of Karnataka, we do not want anything," he said.

Hussain said it only creates confusion. “I request them, do not drag the matter any further," he said.

Hussain said that since the college authorities have not given Muskan a chance to wear a hijab and write her exams, she would be admitted to a different college in Mysuru where she will continue her studies.

Zawahari in his 9-minute video titled 'The Noble Woman of India', said that he came to know about Muskan through social media videos and was 'moved by the act of a sister' and criticized the countries that have banned hijab.

Karnataka’s Health Minister K. Sudhakar on Thursday said Muskan is an innocent. "What can you expect from terrorists," he said about Zawahari’s video.

"I don't know why Muskan reacted that way. Everyone should follow the law of the land. Education must be a priority over religion," he stated.

Following the video, Hindu activists have demanded a probe into the matter. They have also urged the investigating agencies to take Muskan into custody.

Divya Hagaragi, a Hindu activist from Kalaburagi district on Thursday demanded Muskan’s arrest.

"The student needs to be taken into custody and investigated and ascertain whether she has terror links. Until the investigation is done, she should not be let out," she said.