Key Takeaways:

• Principal Birendra Jha allegedly assaulted by students and outsiders at Shriram Sakhi Mohit Singh Janata Higher Secondary School
• Dispute began after alleged verbal abuse of a female student over cleanliness
• Teachers, relatives and police also reportedly attacked during the incident
• Balra Municipality formed an inquiry team to investigate impartially and preserve school discipline

SARLAHI, SEPTEMBER 1 A dispute over the alleged verbal abuse of a female student by a school principal escalated into violence at a school in Sarlahi, with students and outsiders allegedly attacking the principal, teachers and his relatives. The incident occurred Monday afternoon at Shriram Sakhi Mohit Singh Janata Higher Secondary School in Balra Municipality-4. The alleged assault of Principal Birendra Jha has triggered public concern and calls for an impartial investigation into what happened inside the school premises. The dispute reportedly began after Jha allegedly used obscene and abusive language against a female student over an issue related to cleanliness. Allegations have also emerged that a group of students and outsiders subsequently assaulted Jha, other teachers and his relatives. Police personnel who arrived to control the situation were also reportedly attacked. Local residents and former students have called for the incident to be investigated without prejudice, saying that any confirmed misconduct against a student must be dealt with under the law, but that physical attacks by a group cannot be justified. 'If the alleged misconduct and assault against the student are confirmed, such behaviour by a teacher is unacceptable. But gathering a crowd and beating teachers or others without establishing the facts is also unlawful,' local residents said. Former student and member of the school's former students' society Krishnakant Shastri said the alleged assault of the principal, teachers and relatives by students and outsiders was a serious matter that warranted an impartial investigation. He also questioned whether factors beyond the immediate dispute, including possible political motives, may have contributed to the incident, and called for the truth to be established through a thorough investigation. Balra Municipality Mayor Ramashankar Kushwaha said the municipality had taken serious note of the assault on the principal and would form an investigation team under the municipal Education Committee to establish the facts. Kushwaha also urged all sides not to engage in activities that could disturb the school's educational environment, peace and security, stressing that a school is a place of learning and discipline. Jha could not be reached for comment despite attempts to contact him.