LUCKNOW: The headmistress of a government upper primary school in Madarpur village under Purwa tehsil of Unnao has been suspended following a departmental inquiry into allegations of assaulting students and misbehaving with their parents.District basic education officer (BSA) Shailesh Pandey suspended headmistress Anamika Bharti after an inquiry found substance in the complaints.An FIR was also registered against her at Purwa police station on Saturday night under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).The matter came to light after Bitto, wife of Ram Naresh and a resident of Madarpur, submitted a complaint on September 9, alleging that the headmistress had beaten her son and several other students and behaved inappropriately with them.Parents further alleged that when they approached the school to raise the issue, the headmistress misbehaved with them as well.
SDM, BEO conduct inquiry
Following the complaint, the parents approached the Purwa sub-divisional magistrate (SDM). Taking cognisance of the matter, the district administration ordered an inquiry.The SDM, Purwa, and block education officer (BEO), Asoha, conducted the investigation and submitted their report to the authorities.Based on the findings, the BSA issued a show-cause notice to Bharti and asked her to submit her response within three days. However, no reply was submitted within the stipulated period.The BSA subsequently initiated departmental proceedings and placed the headmistress under suspension.
FIR registered under BNS
Alongside the departmental action, police registered a case against the headmistress at Purwa police station under relevant sections of the BNS.Police said the matter is being investigated and further legal action will be taken on the basis of evidence and facts that emerge during the probe.
Department warns against corporal punishment
The action has also raised concerns over the safety and treatment of children in schools.Education department officials said any incident involving physical assault or inappropriate behaviour towards students would be treated seriously and action would be taken against those found responsible.
