A video tied to Manglera in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district spread quickly across social media, accusing a government schoolteacher of showing up to work under the influence of alcohol. As soon as the clip went viral, the education department swung into action and ordered an inquiry. So far, however, the investigation has not been able to establish that the teacher came to school drunk.
Local residents claimed the teacher had repeatedly arrived at school in an intoxicated state. That complaint eventually reached the media. Media personnel then went to the school and tried to speak with the teacher about the allegations. The conversation soon turned into a heated exchange between the teacher and the journalists. During the encounter, the teacher was also seen covering his face with his hand.
What the Teacher Said
When confronted that his breath smelled of alcohol, the teacher said it was "from last night" and flatly denied arriving at school intoxicated. It is said that the moment the conversation began to be recorded on video, the teacher left a leave application at the school and walked away from the premises.
Inquiry Ordered, Officer Appointed
Once the matter came to light, the Deputy Director of Higher Education ordered an inquiry and appointed the principal of a nearby school as the investigating officer. Statements from students and other teachers were recorded during the probe. According to the investigating officer, the students and staff denied that the teacher comes to school under the influence of alcohol.
The teacher's abrupt departure from the school also raised questions. On this, the investigating officer explained that the teacher had submitted a leave application citing health reasons and then left the premises. He added that because the teacher had left, no medical examination could be carried out at that time.
What Happens Next
The investigating officer made it clear that, for now, the inquiry has not confirmed that the teacher came to school intoxicated. But he added that if any such complaint or incident surfaces in the future, strict action will be taken against the teacher as per the rules. The episode has become a major talking point in the area, with people demanding a fair inquiry and the necessary action from the education department.
