UP students forced to clean urinals

ucknow: The principal of a government-run school in Uttar Pradesh forced Class 5 students to clean urinals and mop the floors as punishment for not attending their classes regularly, an official said on Friday, adding that the administration had ordered a probe.

The incident happened Thursday at the Behramgarh primary school in Kandhla town of Muzaffarnagar district, about 350 km from Lucknow.

"We have learnt that the principal along with two others teachers is mainly responsible for the incident," said Ravi Dutt, official in-charge of primary education in Muzaffarnagar.

"The issue is quite serious and reflects the cruel mentality of the school staff. Taking into account the seriousness of the issue, I have ordered an enquiry into the matter," he said.

"Stern action would be taken against the staff who can either be suspended or even terminated for their cruel behaviour," Dutt added.

According to officials, the parents of nearly 12 students on Friday submitted a written complaint against the school principal and teachers.

In their complaint, the parents alleged that the principal and teachers also threatened the students of dire consequences if they told anybody about what had happened.