SUHAIL KHAN
BARAMULLA, Sep 8: Tensions are escalating in Shutloo-Rafiabad region of northern Kashmir’s Baramulla district following accusations of a male teacher engaging in inappropriate WhatsApp conversations with female students from Government Higher Secondary School.
The accused educator, identified as Owais Ahmad Nanda, a Baramulla resident, has been suspended by the school administration in response to the serious allegations raised by the parents of the female students.
According to reports, the controversy began when concerned parents and members of the civil society gathered outside Government Higher Secondary School, Shutloo, demanding action against the teacher.
Sources familiar with the matter informed Kashmir Despatch that the situation came to light after a female teacher confiscated a student’s mobile phone and discovered inappropriate messages exchanged with the male teacher from the school.
This revelation prompted the concerned teacher to report the matter to the school Principal. “It has been alleged that the accused teacher engaged in explicit messaging with female students at the school, leading to outrage among parents and the local community,” sources stated.
Manzoor Ahmad, a parent with two daughters attending the school, stressed the need for swift and stringent action against the accused to prevent such incidents from setting a troubling precedent.
Members of the Shutloo Civil Society formulated a memorandum after consulting with the school’s Principal. Copies of the memorandum were submitted to the district administration and the education officer, urging them to take decisive action against the accused teacher.
Expressing their dismay, Manzoor Ahmad from Shutloo said, “This is an unacceptable breach of decency by a teacher, whose role is to instill moral values in students and help them achieve their potential. A teacher engaging in obscene and indecent communication with female students should be terminated immediately.”
Responding to the public outcry, the Chief Education Officer of Baramulla issued an order, referenced as Ceo/Bla/Estt/T/131104-08 and dated August 31, 2023, suspending Mr. Owais Ahmad Nanda, the accused teacher, from his position at HSS Shutloo. During his suspension, he will be attached to the office of the Principal at BHSS Sopore.
The Chief Education Officer confirmed receiving a complaint against the teacher, stating, “Last week, I received a WhatsApp chat from a staff member concerning the male teacher posted at HSS Shutloo. Immediate action was taken against him, and he was attached to Boys HSS Sopore pending further action, which will be determined after examining the legal aspects.”
Additionally, a committee led by ADC Baramulla, comprising members from the education department, DC office officials, and civil society representatives, has been constituted to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
The committee is expected to deliver a comprehensive report within a defined timeframe, with CEO Baramulla underscoring that stringent action will be taken against the accused teacher if found guilty by the committee.
The community and parents anxiously await the results of this inquiry, hoping for a resolution that safeguards the safety and integrity of their children’s education.
Meanwhile, despite multiple attempts, the accused teacher was unavailable for comments.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
