Diocese of Mangalore calls for fair investigation regarding St. Gerosa School Incident
Mangalore : The Diocese of Mangalore has voiced its concern and appealed for justice following the distressing events that unfolded at St. Gerosa English Higher Primary School on February 10, 2024. It said that the incident stemmed from baseless allegations against an English Teacher at the school.
The issue began with the circulation of two audio messages on social media, accusing the English Teacher of making derogatory remarks about Hindu religious practices and political leaders during a 7th std class. Responding to this, four parents approached the Headmistress, who promised a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. Despite assurances of an inquiry, a group of individuals gathered outside the school premises at 12:30 p.m. The Headmistress assured them of a fair investigation. Later that day, the school's sisters wrote to the district administration, denouncing the false allegations and requesting protection from potential unrest.
The Diocese mentions in its statement that the situation escalated on February 12, when Local MLA Vedavyas Kamath led a protest demanding an immediate apology and the suspension of the English Teacher. He also harassed female staff, creating a hostile environment.
In the evening, as students were leaving, the MLA encouraged them to chant religious verses and slogans against the teacher. Under pressure, the school management suspended the teacher pending an inquiry to maintain order and ensure student safety.
The Diocese mentions in its statement that the English Teacher was teaching Rabindranath Tagore's poem "Work is Worship" and was explaining lines from the poem in the English syllabus of the 7th Standard. The teacher did not make any disparaging remarks as claimed on social media.
The Diocese of Mangalore has urged the Minority Department officials, Child Welfare Department, and Women's Commission to conduct a fair inquiry into the incident. They seek to investigate the mistreatment of the women teachers and children by the MLA. The Diocese also calls for a probe into the false allegations against the English Teacher and advocates for the protection of her dignity and the interests of minorities, women, and children.
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Dharwad Corporation zonal offices raided after complaints of corruption in issuing land records
Hubballi: Karnataka Lokayukta officials on Friday conducted raids at multiple zonal offices of the Hubballi-Dharwad City Corporation following complaints alleging bribery and delay in issuing land-related documents, including e-Swathu records.
The raids were carried out in the morning under the leadership of Siddalingappa S.T.. Separate teams inspected 12 zonal offices of the Corporation and examined records linked to land ownership and document processing.
According to sources, the Lokayukta received complaints from members of the public alleging that Corporation officials were demanding bribes for issuing e-Swathu and other land documents.
Residents reportedly alleged that applications were being deliberately delayed if bribes were not paid.
Based on these complaints, officials carried out inspections of files and records connected to land ownership and issuance of documents.
Further investigation is underway.
