Bhubaneswar: The headmaster of Saruabilli Upper Primary School in Jajpur district was suspended on Tuesday following allegations of subjecting students to corporal punishment involving stinging plants.
According to reports, the incident occurred on April 17, when headmaster Basudev Dehuri allegedly ordered students to bring stinging plants and place them inside their trousers as a form of punishment. Acting on these instructions, several students reportedly collected the plants and inserted them into their clothing, resulting in severe irritation and pain.
The students were later seen in distress, and the matter came to light after they informed their parents about the incident. Following this, a group of parents reached the school, confronted the headmaster, and staged a protest demanding strict action.
Taking cognisance of the allegations, the Sukinda Block Education Officer (BEO) conducted a preliminary inquiry into the matter. Based on the findings, the headmaster was placed under suspension pending further investigation.
Further investigation into the incident is underway, officials said.
