School principal in India suspended after being filmed swimming with female students

A government school principal in India was suspended after being filmed swimming shirtless alongside female students in a water reservoir. The incident occurred during a trip he organized for over 150 students, during which about 20-25 female students entered the water with him. The viral video sparked public outrage and led to the formation of an investigative committee.

A government school principal in Padak Chapali, Alwar district, India, was suspended by order of the state's secondary education director. The suspension followed a report from the regional education officer about a viral video showing the principal, Lal Chand Meena, swimming shirtless alongside female students in a water reservoir. The incident occurred on August 15, after India's Independence Day celebrations at the school. The principal led over 150 students on a trip to the Bhadaj Dam, about 2 km from the school. Of the group, about 20-25 female students entered the water with the principal. According to Zee News, the video shows the principal lifting students in his arms while trying to teach them to swim. Local residents recorded the incident and spread it on social media, sparking public outrage and the formation of a three-member investigative committee. Additionally, safety concerns were raised: students entered the water without life jackets or proper safety supervision, some female students did not know how to swim, and no female teacher accompanied them. Residents noted that the dam bank is narrow (1.5-1.8 meters wide) and that drownings have occurred there in the past.