Bhubaneswar, April 21: The headmaster of Saruabilli Upper Primary School in Odisha’s Jajpur district was suspended on Tuesday after serious allegations surfaced of subjecting students to corporal punishment involving stinging plants.

According to reports, the incident took place on April 17 when the headmaster, Basudev Dehuri, allegedly instructed students to collect stinging plants and place them inside their trousers as a form of punishment. Acting on his directions, several students reportedly complied, leading to intense irritation, pain, and visible discomfort.

The matter came to light after the affected students returned home and narrated their ordeal to their parents. Shocked and angered, a group of parents rushed to the school, confronted the headmaster, and staged a protest demanding strict action against him.

Taking serious note of the incident, the Sukinda Block Education Officer (BEO) conducted a preliminary inquiry. Based on the initial findings, authorities placed the headmaster under suspension pending a detailed investigation.

Officials stated that further inquiry is underway to ascertain the full extent of the incident and ensure appropriate action. The case has raised concerns over student safety and the need for stricter enforcement of guidelines prohibiting corporal punishment in schools.

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