What Happened to the Teacher After the Clash with BJP Workers During Bihar Bandh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bihar bandh was initiated by the BJP over comments about PM Modi.
- A viral video shows a clash between BJP workers and teacher Dipti Rani.
- She denies allegations of using abusive language.
- The Education Department has issued her a show-cause notice.
- The incident raises questions about political protests and education.
Patna, Sep 6 (NationPress) The five-hour Bihar bandh instigated by the BJP on September 4, in response to derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother, has ignited a controversy in Jehanabad.
A viral video showing a confrontation between BJP activists and a female teacher, Dipti Rani, has led the Education Department to issue her a show-cause notice.
The incident unfolded near Arwal Mor in Jehanabad as BJP supporters sought to enforce the bandh on September 4.
Teacher Dipti Rani, employed at the Government Girls Inter School, was en route to her school when she was halted.
BJP activists alleged that Dipti Rani used offensive language towards PM Modi and aligned herself with the opposing protesters.
However, the teacher refuted these claims, asserting, “I was merely heading to school to educate the children. The bandh supporters halted my journey. I do not support any party; my sole intent was to reach school.”
The situation escalated into an argument and physical altercation, necessitating police intervention to ensure her safe passage to school.
Following the circulation of the altercation video on social media, the Jehanabad District Education Officer (DEO), Saraswati Kumari, took notice.
In a notice directed to Dipti Rani, the DEO stated that her conduct was irresponsible, undisciplined, and in violation of the Public Servants Conduct Rules, 2005.
The notice reads, “You hold a significant position as a teacher and have attempted to tarnish the department’s reputation by employing objectionable and inappropriate language. You are required to submit your explanation within 24 hours regarding why disciplinary measures should not be enacted against you.”
Failure to respond within the designated timeframe will lead the department to assume she has no defense, prompting disciplinary action.
The bandh was called following the arrest of Mohammad Rizvi alias Raja (22) in Darbhanga on August 27 for allegedly insulting PM Modi and his late mother during the INDIA bloc’s Voter Adhikar Yatra.
The BJP demanded stringent action and organized a state-wide bandh on September 4 as a form of protest.
While BJP activists accused the teacher of being an opposition supporter, Dipti Rani has rejected these accusations.
She maintains that her priority was solely reaching her workplace.
In the meantime, this incident has ignited discussions surrounding teachers’ conduct, political protests, and the accessibility of education during bandhs.