COIMBATORE: Students of Sidhapudur Corporation Higher Secondary School went on the rampage on the campus on Thursday, breaking glass windows, benches and lights, claiming that the headmistress did not take action against a teacher who allegedly abused a student calling him by his caste.
Express reported on November 18 that a history teacher of the school had asked other students not to mingle with the student in question, as he belonged to the Scheduled Caste (SC).
Following this, a few students and parents assembled in front of the school, demanding action against the teacher.
The students alleged that the headmistress of the school Nirmala Devi did not take appropriate action against the teacher and thereby favoured caste discrimination. The headmistress, who was on medical leave for the past 15 days, joined duty on Thursday.
On coming to know about this, around 25 students of Class XI started bursting crackers inside the campus. This attracted the attention of the others and soon a crowd gathered.
All of a sudden, a section of the students began to break window panes, benches and lights in classrooms. Sources said that the students activated a fire extinguisher in the HM’s room and tried to attack her.
The group then attempted to grab the answer sheets of the Plus Two students of the school, who were writing their half-yearly exams.
Sources in the school said that foam from the fire extinguisher was emptied on students in the classrooms.
Three Class XII girls swooned and were taken to a nearby private hospital for treatment. They regained consciousness after treatment. The other students had to be moved out of the exam hall and the exam was halted.
Chief Educational Officer of Coimbatore District A Gnanagowri rushed to the spot. Suspecting the influence of outsiders in the violence, she said a report would be submitted and appropriate action taken.
Since the school comes under the control of the Coimbatore Corporation, Corporation CEO Vasantha is expected to file a complaint in this regard. Commissioner of Police A K Viswanath said action would be taken if a complaint was lodged.
Teachers of the school suspect that members of certain organisations were instigating the students.