Ranchi, March 6: The Jharkhand education department has suspended the in-charge principal of a government school in Garhwa district and initiated dismissal proceedings against two assistant teachers after a viral video allegedly showed staff members performing an inappropriate dance with girl students during a farewell function.
The incident occurred at Sohabaria Middle School in Meral block, where a farewell programme for Class 8 students was organised on March 1. Clips circulating widely on social media reportedly showed teachers dancing to objectionable songs played on a DJ system inside the school campus.
Following public outrage from parents and local residents, the district education department ordered a preliminary inquiry. Officials said the investigation confirmed the authenticity of the footage and revealed serious violations of teacher conduct norms.
District Education Officer Kaiser Raza said the department has suspended the school’s acting principal, Kundan Kumar Ranjan, with immediate effect.
“The video shows teachers dancing to objectionable songs and behaving inappropriately with female students during the farewell programme,” Raza said.
According to officials, one clip allegedly showed the principal dancing while holding a minor girl student on his lap, while other teachers were seen recording the scene on their mobile phones.
The department has also begun termination proceedings against two assistant teachers — Purushottam Pandit and Subeshwar Ram — for alleged misconduct and indiscipline. Authorities said the action has been initiated under the Jharkhand Assistant Teachers Service Conditions Rules, 2021.
During the suspension period, Ranjan has been directed to report to the office of the Area Education Officer in Garhwa and mark his biometric attendance daily to receive subsistence allowance.
Officials added that further investigation is underway to determine whether proper permission had been obtained for organising the farewell event and whether outsiders were present during the programme.
The education department has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against misconduct within educational institutions and said strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible after the inquiry is completed.
Authorities noted that such an incident involving teachers and students at a school event is extremely rare in the state and has raised serious concerns about discipline and safety within educational campuses.
