Jajpur: A school headmaster in Odisha’s Jajpur district was suspended on Tuesday following allegations of using stems of stinging nettle plants, locally known as ‘bichuati’, to discipline the students.
Basudev Dehury was serving as the headmaster Saruabil Upper Primary School at Kaliapani in Sukinda block.
According to the parents, nettle plants were
allegedly stuffed in the trousers of 10 students on April 17. The plants caused irritation, burning sensations, and severe discomfort. On learning about the incident, enraged parents created a ruckus in the school and also lodged a complaint at Kaliapani police station. The village Sarpanch and members of the school management committee later intervened, following which the headmaster admitted to using the plants and also gave a written assurance not to repeat the same.
Meanwhile, Sukinda Block Education Officer (BEO) Narayan Chandra Das launched a preliminary inquiry. Following the findings, Dehury was placed under suspension pending a detailed investigation, with officials assuring that further action would be taken in accordance with rules.