A Lucknow-based cleric on Monday rubbished Malayalam film director Ali Akbar's allegation that an 'ustad' (master) had sexually abused him.
"I simply dismiss the allegation of the Malayalam film director. I see it as a conspiracy to malign the image of the Islamic institutions because one must keep in mind that at this Islamic institution, emphasis is laid on discipline and moral education. I think this is a conspiracy to affect the positive image of these Madrasas," Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali told ANI.
"I strongly want to say that there is no sexual abuse in any Madrasa throughout India," he added.
Akbar had earlier said that when he studied in Class IV at a Madrasa in Wayanad District, the then ustad had sexually abused him.
"That madrasa was run by Kanthapuram Musliyar. If Musliyar is willing to look into the issue, I am ready to give details of the ustad,'' said Akbar
Akbar alleged that the ustad sexually exploited every student in his class.
"Sexual exploitation of children in madrasas is still going on. But, nobody is ready to speak out against it out of fear. When leaders like Kanthapuram Musliyar are heading the madrasa education system in Kerala, who would dare to complaint against an ustad,'' he added.