Two Madarsa Students Escape in Lucknow, Say They Want to Study in Regular School

Children Rescued by Police Reveal Pressure to Pursue Religious Education Over Mainstream Schooling

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | July 12, 2025
In a startling case from Lucknow, police have rescued two children who fled a madarsa in Bahraich, expressing their desire to study in a regular school instead of continuing with religious education.

“We Don’t Want Madarsa Education. We Want to Go to School.”

The students, reportedly from a madarsa located in Chhota Sahab Kogawan village, told police during counseling that they were unhappy with the religious curriculum being forced on them by family members. According to sources, the children said they preferred general education over madrasa teachings but were being compelled by their families to remain enrolled in the institution.

“We want to study in a school, not a madarsa,” one of the rescued boys said during questioning by police.

Police Intervene, Emphasize Importance of Children’s Mental Health

Lucknow Police acted swiftly after receiving information and recovered the children safely. The authorities conducted a sensitive counseling session, during which the children openly expressed their preference for mainstream education.

Following this, the children were safely handed back to their families, with a clear warning and advisory issued to parents.

“Respecting children’s choices and mental well-being is crucial,” a police spokesperson said.

Parental Pressure vs. Child Rights

This incident has sparked a fresh debate around parental coercion, freedom of education, and the right of children to choose their academic path. Activists and education advocates have urged authorities to monitor institutional practices and ensure students are not forced into religious schooling against their will.