Bhubaneswar : The Odisha government on Tuesday suspended a school headmaster for allegedly subjecting students to a cruel form of punishment by forcing them to place Bicchuati (stinging nettle) leaves inside their pants, causing severe discomfort and pain.
The incident was reported from Saruabili Upper Primary School under Kaliapani block in Jajpur district.
According to reports, the headmaster, identified as Basudev Dehury, resorted to the act to discipline a group of male students who were allegedly creating a disturbance in class. He reportedly collected stinging nettle leaves from an area near the school and instructed the students to put them inside their pants. When some students refused, he allegedly forced the leaves into their clothing himself.
The students soon began writhing in pain, drawing the attention of parents in the vicinity. Alarmed by the situation, they informed the police, who reached the school and questioned the headmaster over the alleged misconduct.
The matter was initially resolved locally after the headmaster gave a written undertaking that he would not repeat such behaviour. However, following wider outrage, the state government took cognisance of the incident and placed him under suspension.
Locals alleged that the headmaster frequently attended school in an inebriated state and exhibited inappropriate behaviour towards students.
Child rights activist Pritichhanda Dhal condemned the incident and called for strict action. “Forcing stinging nettle leaves into the clothing of young children reflects a deeply disturbing mindset. A thorough investigation must be conducted, and appropriate departmental action taken based on the findings,” she said.
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