Bhubaneswar: A government school headmaster in Kendrapada district was suspended after he allegedly consumed alcohol during duty hours, locked the school gate and fell asleep, leaving around 35 students confined inside, officials said Wednesday.
The incident took place Tuesday at Ambura Government Primary School under Kurujanga Gram Panchayat in Derabish block.
According to officials, headmaster Sunakar Nayak allegedly locked the main gate while students of Classes 1 to 5 were inside. The children raised an alarm, prompting local residents to reach the school and open the gate.
The incident sparked anger among parents and guardians after photographs and details of the alleged misconduct circulated on social media, with locals demanding strict action against the headmaster.
Derabish Block Education Officer said a departmental inquiry found the allegations to be substantiated. He termed the conduct highly unbecoming of a member of the teaching profession and said Nayak was subsequently placed under suspension.
The school has around 35 students and two teachers. Nayak was reportedly the only teacher present on Tuesday as the other teacher was on leave.
