School vehicle accident: Two teachers suspended

Koratagere: Following an accident involving a Tata Ace vehicle carrying school children, which overturned and injured 15 students, the Block Education Officer (BEO) of Koratagere, Nataraju, has suspended the headmaster and an assistant teacher of the school.

The incident occurred on January 3 in Chimpugana Hhalli village of Holavanahalli Hobli, Koratagere taluk. The government higher primary school had organized an excursion for 99 students to a mini Lal Bagh near Doddasaggere. While returning, the driver lost control of the Tata Ace vehicle, causing it to overturn. Fifteen students sustained injuries and were admitted to Tumakuru District Hospital.

The subsequent inquiry found that the excursion was held without obtaining prior permission from the Education Department. Taking note of the violation, the BEO suspended headmaster Hanumantarayappa and assistant teacher Anantharamu under Rule 10 (1)(A) of the Karnataka Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 1957. The suspension order was issued as per departmental regulations.