A teacher at a primary school in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district has been suspended and arrested after reportedly asking a student to bring him liquor. The incident, which sparked outrage among parents and the community, has prompted an official investigation.
Hareshgiri Goswami, the accused teacher at Khapat Primary School in Una taluka, was teaching students from Classes 6 to 8 when this troubling request came to light. It was the school’s principal who filed a formal complaint with local authorities, leading to police involvement.
On Saturday, following the complaint, Una police took swift action and arrested Goswami. The District Development Officer responded quickly by suspending him immediately while further proceedings are set in motion.
In an interim measure, Goswami has been reassigned to Ramlechi Primary School in Talala taluka until the inquiry wraps up. To ensure thoroughness in the investigation, a joint inquiry committee has been formed. This panel includes key officials such as the Deputy District Development Officer of Gir Somnath and both the Veraval Taluka Primary Education Officer and Girgadha Taluka Development Officer.
The findings of this committee will determine any further disciplinary action against Goswami. State Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja expressed deep disapproval over the situation, stressing that teachers should be role models for their students. “Any shameful misconduct of this nature will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he stated.