Rajasthan school principal suspended after dam-bathing video with girl students surfaces

JAIPUR: The principal of a government senior secondary school in Rajasthan's Alwar has been suspended after a purported video showing him bathing in a dam with girl students went viral on social media, according to an official order.

Lal Chand Meena, principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Raubavi Padak Chhapli in Thanagazi area, was placed under suspension with immediate effect by the Directorate of Secondary Education, Bikaner.

According to the suspension order issued on Saturday, objectionable videos involving Meena and girl students of the school had surfaced on social media. The department said his conduct was prima facie in violation of the code of conduct prescribed for public servants.

Also read ‘Ready for arrest’: CJP’s Ashutosh Ranka on ‘School Thik Karo’ drive, says judiciary, ECI accountability next

A departmental inquiry has also been initiated against Meena under Rule 13(1) of the Rajasthan Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1958.

During the suspension period, Meena's headquarters will remain at the Directorate of Secondary Education in Bikaner, the order said. The action came after a video purportedly showing the principal bathing in dam water with Class 11 and 12 girl students went viral.

The principal had allegedly taken more than 200 students to a dam about two kilometres from the school on August 15. The dam had around 11 feet of water and bathing there was prohibited due to the risk of drowning. Some students recorded videos during the visit, which later went viral.