80 girls allegedly forced to remove shirts: Shameful incident in Jharkhand sparks outrage

Jharkhand: A private school principal in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, has been accused of ordering 80 female students of Class 10 to remove their shirts during a celebration. The students were writing farewell messages on each other's shirts when the incident occurred. They were celebrating "Pen Day" after completing their examination. Complaints have been filed by the parents, and the students were forced to return home wearing only their blazers, which has caused widespread anger and concern.

Parents file complaint against principal

The parents of the two students approached Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Madhvi Mishra and filed a formal complaint alleging that the incident took place inside a well-established school in Digwadih locality under the Jorapokhar police station on Friday. The principal apparently objected to the celebration and forced the students to remove their shirts when they apologized over the issue, they alleged.

Probe panel to probe

Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Madhvi Mishra has formed a four-member inquiry committee in view of the protests. The sub-divisional magistrate, district education officer, district social welfare officer, and sub-divisional police officer are the committee members. In a press address, Mishra said the administration is taking extreme seriousness in handling the issue.

"Several guardians have lodged complaints against the principal. We also interacted with some of the affected students. Based on the committee's findings, appropriate action will be taken," Mishra told news agency PTI.

Political and public reactions

The incident has garnered significant attention, with Jharia BJP MLA Ragini Singh accompanying the parents to the Deputy Commissioner's office to file the complaint. Singh condemned the incident, calling it "shameful and unfortunate," and urged swift action against those responsible.

Awaiting justice

With time, the district administration has promised appropriate action according to the recommendations of the committee. The incident has sparked intense debates concerning accountability held by the school authorities along with safety concerns for the students and whether the guardians entrusted with the responsibility to mold those young minds behave properly or not.