Overview
- Basudev Dehury, head of Saruabili Upper Primary School in Jajpur, was suspended Tuesday pending a departmental probe.
- He allegedly forced stinging nettle leaves into the trousers of at least ten boys to discipline a noisy class, causing severe pain and rashes.
- The episode came to light when students told their parents at home, prompting a protest at the school and police questioning of the headmaster.
- Sukinda Block Education Officer Narayan Das asked Kaliapani cluster coordinator Sanjaya Kumar Samal to investigate, and a preliminary report led to the suspension while a detailed inquiry continues.
- An initial written undertaking from Dehury to not repeat the act gave way to stronger action after public outrage and calls from child-rights advocates for strict accountability.