Three teachers of a government school in Kerala are under the scanner for 'hiding' liquor bottles in the bag of a student on Saturday.
The students from Government UP School in Kozhikode’s Chembukadavu were on an excursion to Vismaya Park in Kannur. On their return journey, three teachers allegedly purchased liquor from Mahe and hid the bottles in the bag of one of the students.
According to officials of the Education Department, around 52 students of Class 7 and seven teachers had gone for the excursion.
Divisional Deputy Excise Commissioner (Kozhikode) PK Suresh told TNM that the bottles were found during a routine check. Excise officials checked the bus when the group was on their way back to Kozhikode.
"Two KSBC liquor bottles were found from a bag, which was dumped on top of the students' bags. But since the quantity of liquor wasn’t much, the teachers will not face any legal issues. We haven't registered a case against them," Suresh said.
Meanwhile, the education department initiated a probe into the incident after the parents raised a complaint with the school.
Speaking to TNM, EK Suresh Kumar, the Deputy Director of Education (DDE) said that the Additional Educational Officer (AEO) and the headmaster of the school will submit a report on the incident.
"The Excise department hasn’t registered a case against these teachers. So we cannot do anything on that. However, a few parents have complained to the school and on the basis of this, a probe has been initiated," Suresh Kumar said.
He added that the teachers involved in the incident have denied anything to do with the liquor bottles.
Lissy Kurian, the Principal of the school told the New Indian Express that she was not aware of the incident, and it was only brought to her notice by a few parents on Monday.
“I hadn’t been there for the tour. I came to know about the incident when parents complained to me on Monday. Though I sought an explanation from the teachers, they denied the allegations. I have informed the matter to the AEO. As per his instructions, the teachers facing the allegation have been directed to stay away from work for three days. I also submitted a detailed report to the AEO on Tuesday," the Principal was quoted as saying.