Goa: Principal suspended after students taken to mosque, made to perform rituals
The suspension came after VHP workers filed a police complaint, alleging that the students were taken there on the invitation of an outfit linked to the banned PFI
After a right-wing organisation filed a police complaint alleging that some students of Class 11 were taken to a mosque for a workshop and made to perform religious rituals there, the principal of a private school in Goa has been suspended.
A member of the higher secondary school's management on Monday (September 11) informed about the principal's suspension, while a senior state education department official said they have sought an explanation from the school management in connection with the incident which took place last Saturday (September 9).
Some members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Monday (September 11) lodged a complaint with Vasco police against the principal of the school, located in Vasco town, for allegedly “supporting anti-national activities”, an official said.
They claimed the said workshop was organised last Saturday (September 9) on the invite of an organisation affiliated to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and the students were allegedly made to perform religious rituals there.
A senior member from the school management said principal Shankar Gaonkar has been placed under suspension.
The management member also tendered an apology after a group of VHP activists went to the school on Monday (September 11) and complained about incident.
State Education Director Shailesh Zingde told reporters on Monday (September 11) that the department has sought an explanation from the school management and their response is awaited.
(With inputs from agencies)