In an incident that has triggered a formal inquiry and administrative action, the principal of a government school in Chhattisgarh’s Balrampur district has been removed from his position. The development follows allegations that booklets associated with Asaram, a convicted rapist currently serving a life sentence, were distributed to students during school hours. Officials confirmed on Thursday that the principal, identified as Mahesh Prajapati, has been attached to the district collector’s office pending the outcome of the investigation.
The incident took place on October 26 at the Swami Atmanand Government English Medium School of Excellence, located in Raghunathpur village. According to reports, the school, which caters to over 100 students, saw these materials handed out to approximately 25 to 30 middle school pupils. The matter gained public attention the following day, October 27, when students brought the materials home, prompting immediate concern and complaints from parents to the education department.
The controversy intensified after videos circulating on social media showed students holding the booklets within the school premises. Local parents alleged that the materials included titles such as ‘Sanskar Sarita’, ‘Vrat Niyam’, and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. They argued that it was inappropriate to circulate literature linked to an individual who has been convicted of serious criminal offences and whose ashrams have faced government seizures. One parent speaking to the media expressed strong disapproval, emphasizing that such content has no place in an educational institution and demanding stringent action against the administration.
In response to the mounting pressure, Balrampur District Education Officer Narendra Nirapure confirmed that the local Block Education Officer had been instructed to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident. The preliminary findings of this investigation served as the basis for the principal's immediate removal. Officials indicated that the administrative shift to the collector's office is a precautionary measure to ensure the inquiry proceeds without interference.
In his defence, the principal claimed he was not aware of the nature or content of the booklets. He stated that the individuals who visited the school to distribute the materials misled him, leading him to believe they were simply circulating general literature. Based on this explanation, he stated he granted them permission to distribute the books, unaware of their association with the controversial figure.
The backdrop to this incident involves the legal status of Asaram, who has been at the centre of high-profile criminal cases for years. Asaram was convicted of raping a woman disciple on several occasions between 2001 and 2006 at his ashram near Ahmedabad. Furthermore, on May 27 of this year, the Rajasthan High Court upheld a 2018 trial court order that sentenced him to life imprisonment for the rape of a minor in 2013. While the High Court set aside the conviction for gang rape, the life sentence for the primary charge remained.
As the inquiry continues, the local administration is focusing on how such distribution was permitted on school grounds and whether safety protocols for visitors were followed. The incident has raised questions about the oversight of external visitors interacting with students in government-run facilities. Educational authorities in Balrampur are expected to release a final report on the findings, which will determine if further disciplinary action against the school staff is required.
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