Mangaluru School incident: IAS officer to lead investigation, says Dinesh Gundu Rao

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that an IAS officer will probe the alleged disparaging comments about religion by a teacher at a private school in Mangaluru.

IAS officer Dr Akash Shankar, currently serving as the Additional Commissioner of department of school education and literacy, Kalaburagi division, will lead the investigation into the matter, Gundu Rao said.

Addressing press persons in Mangaluru, Gundu Rao said, “The education department will investigate the allegation against the teacher. Therefore, an FIR has not been registered. If there is any wrongdoing, it will be known through the investigation.” He further added that a comprehensive report of the investigation findings will be submitted to the government.

The incident has sparked outrage, with parents of the students urging for swift legal action against the teacher. Despite a complaint being filed on February 11 at the Pandeshwar police station, no FIR has been registered yet. Concerned parents have met with Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal, demanding the immediate filing of an FIR and a transparent investigation.

Meanwhile, amidst the public outcry, certain political figures have made demands to cancel the FIR-registered political figures. MLA Veda Vyasa Kamath and others have called for the cancellation of the FIR against Sharan Pumpwell, the VHP provincial coordinator and MLA Bharath Shetty.

‘Children’s rights violated during protest’

Meanwhile, Dr. Kripa Amar Alva, former chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, has raised concerns about the impact of the protests following the alleged incident on children’s rights. Dr. Alva highlighted the distress caused to the children and condemned the use of minors in political protests related to the incident. A complaint has been lodged with the State Child Rights Commission, urging for an impartial investigation and proper support for the affected children.