UP principal removed for ‘forcing students to offernamaz’ reinstated, probe panel gives him clean chit

Agra: A week after a UP school principal was suspended with "immediate effect" in Mathura over allegations that he forced students to offer namaz and also made objectionable remarks against children of other communities, Jaan Mohammed, 53, was "exonerated of the charges" following an official inquiry and after parents and residents met the district magistrate (DM), demanding his reinstatement.The decision was taken by Mathura Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA), Ratan Kirti, after the probe panel submitted its report and gave the principal a "clean chit". "Based on the probe findings, Jaan Mohammed's suspension has been revoked," Kirti told TOI on Saturday. The BSA added that formal orders have been issued for his reinstatement, and "he will now be given a fresh school posting via an online transfer system".Following the decision, the principal told TOI, "I served in BSF for 10 years before joining the teaching profession. Our national anthem and the tricolour are of the utmost importance for me. I want to thank all those who supported me. All the allegations were baseless, and I was sure that I would come out clean. "According to a letter stated by BSA Kirti, "the inquiry committee conducted a physical inspection of the school on Feb 4, during which statements were taken from students, parents, teachers and all others present in the school." "Written evidence was also obtained," the letter said, adding that in the inquiry, none of the allegations levelled against the principal were found to be proven.On Jan 30, Durgesh Pradhan, a local BJP leader, had complained against the principal alleging that "he doesn't allow the singing of national anthem in school and motivates students towards his religion", and a day later, the latter was placed under suspension. A probe panel was then set up to look into the matter "within 30 days".In the meantime, protests erupted in Mathura in support of the principal. A group of local residents along with parents met Mathura DM CP Singh and demanded his reinstatement. Amid mounting pressure, the time limit for the probe was reduced to three days.