A Nepali man who was working as a Chemistry teacher at Qatar Academy was fired from his job after being accused of 'insulting Islam'.

Dorje Gurung

According to Doha News, Dorje Gurung has been in jail for the past week over charges of insulting Islam in front of students.

Gurung has denied the charge, which was reportedly pressed against him after he had an argument with a 12-year-old male student that two weeks ago.

Gurung was relieved of his job shortly after the incident and had been set to leave the country last weekend. However, he was called to the police station last Wednesday and has not been home since, his colleagues have told Doha News.

Local reports said that the Nepali Embassy has confirmed that Gurung is in jail, but said they do not have any more details. A lawyer working for the embassy told Doha News that it is sending a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request permission to meet with Gurung, who currently has no legal representation. Teachers said they are taking up a collection to help him pay for a lawyer.

Gurung has in the past taught at the Australian International School Saigon, the International School of Azerbaijan and Bishop Mackenzie International School.nepalnews.com