Students welcome teacher Shibi Master with hugs and tears; was emotionally shattered, says principal

MEENANGADI: The students gave an emotional welcome to Principal Shibi Krishnan when he returned to Meenangadi Government Higher Secondary School in Wayanad following the controversy that broke out during the pleasure trip. The students hugged him and were almost in tears. Some parents also arrived at the school to meet him. Shibi Krishnan told the students that he was emotionally shattered by the unexpected allegations.

‘I will not spare those who created all these issues. I will not spare those who put the students, parents and the school under pressure. Even if I have to sell all my savings, I will not let them go,’ said Shibi Krishnan. He added that the incident was being sensationalised due to certain vested interests without hearing his side or that of the students. He said his children, wife and even his elderly mother had been deeply affected by the incident.

The teacher said he had voluntarily agreed to undergo a blood test to determine whether he had consumed alcohol. He pointed out that nobody had filed a complaint with the authorities. He also said the attempt to tarnish his reputation shattered him.

The allegations were that the principal and the PTA president had consumed alcohol during the school students' excursion. The local residents and parents stopped Principal Shibi Krishnan and PTA president S Hajis when they arrived at the school after the trip. The students alleged that both were under the influence of alcohol. However, a medical examination found that the teacher had not consumed liquor. The principal had informed that the PTA president, S Hajis, was asked to get out of the vehicle after students complained that he smelled of alcohol.

A total of 133 students from Meenangadi Government Higher Secondary School left for an excursion to Hyderabad at 1.30 pm last Sunday. The students alleged that the two had consumed alcohol while returning from the trip. The group had travelled to Hyderabad in three buses.

The directorate of higher secondary education has ordered an inquiry into the incident. The regional deputy director of education has also sought a report.