Patna:The in charge headmaster of Shivanandan Higher Secondary School in Muzaffarpur’s Muraul block has been suspended after a video allegedly showing him “purifying” his office and chair with Ganga water went viral on social media.The education department has also withheld the salary of in charge headmaster Gyan Prakash and ordered a departmental inquiry into the incident. The video, recorded on Sept 4, came to the notice of officials after circulating widely online.District Education Officer (DEO) Kumar Arvind Sinha sought an explanation from the headmaster. In its preliminary assessment, the department treated the act as indiscipline and negligence of duty.In the video, Gyan Prakash is seen reciting mantras and sprinkling Ganga water in his office as part of what was described as a “purification” ritual.In his order, the DEO stated that such conduct could adversely affect the academic environment of a government school. The department said government employees are expected to uphold the values of impartiality, scientific temper and mutual respect in educational institutions.The incident sparked controversy after reports linked the ritual to a recent change in school leadership. Gyan Prakash succeeded former in charge headmaster Sushil Kumar Chaudhary on Sept 2.However, Gyan Prakash denied any caste- or religion-based motive. He said he routinely offers prayers in the school and begins his day by paying respects to Goddess Saraswati.“I sprinkled Ganga water while performing my regular prayers after taking charge. Some teachers jokingly suggested that I purify the office and chair, and the video was recorded. It was later circulated on social media with malicious intent,” he said.“There was no such intention on my part. All teachers are equal. There is no question of caste, religion or faith in this,” he added.
