Headmaster suspended after viral video shows students transported in goods vehicles

An assistant teacher and in-charge headmaster of Government Higher Primary School in Balanja in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district was placed under suspension after videos of over 40 school children being taken in a lorry and a pick-up vehicle for a study trip on Monday, February 9, went viral on social media.

In an order issued on Thursday, deputy director of Public Instruction G. Shashidhar said assistant teacher K.S. Kiran Kumar had not taken permission from the department for conducting a study tour at a beekeeping farm on Wednesday, February 11. In addition, transporting students in two open vehicles constituted a breach of regulations concerning child safety, as well as a violation of the Karnataka Civil Service Rules.

Following the report from the Belthangady Block Education Officer, Mr. Shashidhar has ordered the suspension of Mr. Kumar pending a disciplinary inquiry.

Following a complaint, the Venur police registered a case for offences under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66 read with Section 192 (A) of the Indian Motor Vehicles Act. An investigation into the school’s study tour will be conducted, and appropriate legal measures will be implemented, according to a press release from the police.