Eight students were injured in a violent clash between class nine and eleven students at Muraliganj High School in Phansidewa, Siliguri sub-division. The fight started from a small argument and quickly turned into physical violence inside the school campus, causing panic and anger among parents.
Angry parents gathered outside the main school gate to stage a protest and demanded the resignation of the head teacher.
Parents questioned how such violence happened when teachers were present inside the campus during school hours. Police forces and central forces from Bidhannagar investigation center reached the spot to control the situation. Parents also claimed there was tension earlier due to the removal of a part-time teacher and issues regarding extra fees.
Additional police superintendent, Naxalbari SDPO, CI, and Phansidewa BJP MLA Durga Murmu reached the spot after receiving information about the incident.
Meetings were held between school management and police officials in the presence of the MLA to bring back normal conditions. As per the meeting decisions,
the head teacher and two other teachers were sent on indefinite leave, and the school was ordered to remain closed until next Monday. MLA Durga Murmu stated that police and the district inspector of education will conduct separate investigations into the matter, and a report will be sent to the state education minister.
