Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, India - May 3, 2024.

A violent altercation erupted among teachers over allegations of corruption and embezzlement during the midday meal program in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh.

The incident took place at a college in the Khaga area in Fatehpur on May 3.

Visuals showed a group of staff members were engaged in a heated discussion  in the school office. As the debate intensified, gestures became more animated, and voices grew louder. Tensions peaked as the discussion turned into a full-fledged argument, with individuals gesturing emphatically and pointing accusatory fingers at each other. The scene was marked by furrowed brows, clenched fists, and strained expressions, as the disagreement escalated into physical confrontation.

Teachers Sunil Kumar from Chandpur Salori, Arun Patel from Mirzapur, and Sandeep Kumar from Nai Bazar sustained injuries during a heated dispute. According to Sunil Kumar, the altercation stemmed from irregularities in organizing midday meals, with approximately ten lakh rupees allegedly misappropriated between the last academic session and the current one.

Tensions escalated on Friday morning when Sunil Kumar and Sandeep Kumar engaged in a heated argument, which quickly spiraled into physical violence. The confrontation took place in full view of students, causing uproar and panic among them.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter, with both parties filing complaints with the police. Superintendent Tej Bahadur Singh stated that CCTV footage from the school premises is being examined to ascertain the sequence of events.

The injured teachers, Sunil Kumar, Arun Patel, and Sandeep Kumar, are currently receiving medical treatment. The incident has sent shockwaves through the educational community, raising concerns about the prevalence of corruption and the safety of teachers and students in educational institutions.