Odisha: Headmaster suspended for using stinging nettle to punish students
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Jajpur: The headmaster of a state government-run school in Odisha’s Jajpur district was suspended on Tuesday after allegations that he subjected at least ten students to punishment using stinging nettle, officials said.
Following an examination of the complaint, the authorities suspended Basudev Dehury, headmaster of Saruabili Upper Primary School under Sukinda block in the district.
According to local education department officials, the incident took place on Friday when the headmaster allegedly placed stinging nettle inside the trousers of ten male students as punishment for allegedly disturbing the class.
The act reportedly caused severe irritation and pain, with students seen writhing in discomfort afterwards.
The matter surfaced after the students informed their parents upon returning home from school. Outraged by the alleged treatment, a group of parents went to the school the next day (Saturday), confronted the headmaster, and staged a protest on the premises demanding strict action.
Upon being informed, Sukinda Block Education Officer (BEO) Narayan Das visited the school and assured the protesting parents that action would be taken. He also instructed Kaliapani Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator (CRCC) Sanjaya Kumar Samal to conduct an inquiry into the allegations and submit a report.
The inquiry report was submitted to the BEO on Monday.
“Based on the preliminary findings, the headmaster has been placed under suspension pending further investigation,” the BEO said, adding that a detailed probe is underway and further action will be taken as per rules.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among parents and the local community, raising fresh calls for strict enforcement against corporal punishment in schools.
With PTI inputs