Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh — July 2025: A government school teacher in Sultanpur district has been suspended following allegations of making offensive remarks about the Kanwar Yatra and Goddess Durga, triggering widespread outrage among locals. The incident escalated to the point where villagers forcibly took the teacher to a temple and made him publicly apologize by rubbing his nose on the ground — a gesture of remorse in some Indian traditions.

🏫 What Did the Teacher Say?

The controversy began at the Composite Primary School in Samarthpur, Dhanpatganj block, where a female student reportedly requested leave on July 17 to participate in the Kanwar Yatra and visit a Durga temple. Instead of granting the leave, teacher Om Prakash allegedly made derogatory comments about the religious practices, which the student later shared with her family. The news quickly spread through the village and on social media, sparking public outrage.

🛑 Suspension and Public Backlash

The matter reached the Basic Education Department, and after an internal inquiry, the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) suspended Om Prakash from his duties. However, the suspension did little to calm the anger of local residents.

On July 22, a large group of villagers reportedly took the teacher to a Shiva temple, where he was made to rub his nose on the ground and apologize in front of the deity. A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media platforms, further fueling debate over the teacher’s conduct and the villagers’ response.

📌 Broader Implications

This incident has reignited discussions around freedom of expression, religious sensitivity, and public accountability in educational institutions. While some view the teacher’s remarks as inappropriate and deserving of disciplinary action, others are questioning the mob-led justice and the ethics of public humiliation.