Violent protest broke out at the Corporation Higher Secondary School at Siddhapudur here on Thursday leading to hospitalisation of three girl students and damage to a number of classrooms. This follows allegations made by the students that a teacher had indulged in caste abuse.
While a protest broke over the same issue last month, Headmistress Nirmala Devi, who had went on medical leave, joined duty on Thursday triggering a fresh bout of protest as students claimed that she had failed to take action on their complaints
According to the students, one of the teachers had allegedly advised a student not to mingle with another student, a Dalit, on November 3. While the school was closed for the rest of the day, it would reopen on Friday with police protection
According to eye witnesses, the students began to pelt stones at the HM’s room around 12 noon even as the half-yearly examination was under way for Plus Two. They also damaged the desks, lights and window panes in many classrooms.
Some students fired crackers inside the school premises. Some of the students used a fire extinguisher in the protest injuring three girls, who were admitted to a private hospital.
They were discharged later in the day. Following this, the examination was cancelled and students were sent home. Police personnel were deployed in strength at the school following this incident.
AssuranceChief Educational Officer A. Gnanagowri held talks with the students and teachers and pacified them. She told the students to concentrate on their academics and assured them that their legitimate grievances would be addressed.
Later, when contacted, Ms. Gnanagowri said that the authorities had already investigated the incidents earlier and found no grounds to take action against any one.
