Karnataka teacher suspended after viral photos with class 10 student spark outrage

Karnataka: Pushpalatha R, the head teacher of Murugamalla Village Government High School in Karnataka, has been suspended following the viral circulation of photos featuring her with a Class 10 student. The alleged "romantic photoshoot" took place during a study tour in Chikkaballapur and has ignited a wave of criticism on social media.

The images, depicting the teacher hugging, kissing, and lifting the student, surfaced on various social media platforms, drawing attention and condemnation from users. 

Neitizens react

Amit Singh Rajawat, an X user, expressed concern about the direction of society, sharing the photos and prompting discussions about the inappropriate nature of the teacher-student relationship.

The parents of the Class 10 boy were reportedly outraged by the photos and lodged a complaint with the Block Education Officer (BEO), urging a thorough investigation into the teacher's conduct. 

Social media users echoed the sentiment, with some expressing anger towards the student and calling for strong action.

Amidst the uproar, BEO V Umadevi conducted an inquiry after visiting the school. Subsequently, the Deputy Director of Chikkaballapur District Education Department took decisive action, suspending Pushpalatha R based on the BEO's report.

Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) Bailanjinappa issued the suspension order, reflecting the severity of the situation. Pushpalatha R, questioned by school authorities about the photoshoot, defended it as a “mother-son relationship.”

Both the student and the teacher claim that the photos were intended to be private and were leaked without their consent, leading to the outrage from parents and the subsequent suspension.