Principal allegedly assaults student over facebook comment

KATHMANDU: The principal of a school in Kamal Rural Municipality of Jhapa district has allegedly assaulted a student over a social media comment.

The incident occurred after Nirjala Baskota, a Grade 11 student at Mangalmaya Secondary School, commented on Facebook, resulting in the principal, Mohan Bagale, reportedly beating her, as seen in a video circulating on social media.

The video purportedly shows Baskota being subjected to physical assault by Bagale, reportedly in response to a comment she made on a Facebook status.

Baskota stated, “There was a status on Facebook where the principal was insulted. I commented, saying it wasn’t much. Based on that, on Tuesday, the principal called me to his office and physically assaulted me using a water pipe.”

Authorities are investigating the matter, with concerns raised over the use of social media and the alleged act of violence by the school principal.

Principal Bagale has acknowledged that he disciplined the students through physical punishment, asserting it was done in a customary manner.

Following complaints from students and parents to the police office, an agreement was reached to address the issue with the Damak Area Police Office.

In response to the incident of the principal’s actions, Kamal Rural Municipality has established a committee to conduct an inquiry.

Yesterday, during the Education Committee meeting, a five-member investigation team was formed under the leadership of the Ward No. 5 Chairperson.

Surya Neupane, the head of the municipality’s education department, stated that after the incident gained attention on social media, discussions were held involving the rural municipality head, Principal Bagale, management committee chairman, and representatives from children’s organizations.