India
Principal Removed After Alleged Distribution of Asaram‑Related Booklets
The principal of Swami Atmanand Government English Medium School of Excellence in Raghunathpur village, Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh, has been removed from the school and attached to the collector’s office. The action follows allegations that booklets linked to Asaram, who is serving a life sentence for rape, were distributed to 25‑30 middle‑school students on 26 October. The incident was reported on 27 October after a parent raised the issue with the education department following videos of students holding the booklets. The booklets, titled ‘Sanskar Sarita’, ‘Vrat Niyam’ and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, among others, were said to either promote Asaram’s views or contain information about his followers. A parent demanded strict action against the principal, citing that Asaram is in jail for serious offences and his ashrams have been seized. Balrampur District Education Officer Narendra Nirapure said the Block Education Officer had been directed to conduct an inquiry and submit a report. Based on preliminary findings, the principal, Mahesh Prajapati, was removed from the school. He claimed he was unaware of the booklets’ contents and that the visitors had misled him by saying they only wanted to circulate books. On 27 May this year, the Rajasthan High Court upheld a 2018 trial court order convicting Asaram of raping a minor at his Jodhpur ashram in 2013 and sentenced him to life imprisonment, while setting aside his conviction for gang rape.
Frequently asked questions
Who was removed from the Swami Atmanand School?
The principal, Mahesh Prajapati, was removed and attached to the collector’s office.
What booklets were distributed to the students?
The booklets were titled ‘Sanskar Sarita’, ‘Vrat Niyam’ and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, among others.
When did the alleged distribution of the booklets occur?
The booklets were distributed to 25‑30 middle‑school students on 26 October.