On Saturday, a commotion erupted at the Udwapur Composite School in the Harakh development block of Barabanki district in Uttar Pradesh when a female teacher hanged herself within the school premises. The deceased, identified as Uma Verma (40), was an assistant teacher at the school. News of the incident sent shockwaves through the school staff, villagers, and the education department.
Body found hanging in school
According to eyewitnesses, Uma Verma’s body was found hanging from a noose on the school premises. As soon as the news spread, a large number of people from nearby villages arrived at the scene. The school administration immediately informed the police and higher officials of the education department. Satrikh police station arrived at the scene, took possession of the body, and sent it for a post-mortem examination. The police are investigating the entire matter.
Uma Verma was the mother of two children.
Uma Verma was a mother of two and lived with her family in Jalalpur village. Her husband, Rishi Verma, is an assistant teacher in the education department and is posted at the primary school in Tendwan village, Sidhour block. The incident has cast a pall of grief and shock over the entire area. Colleagues and locals are wondering what compulsions might have driven a teacher to such a drastic step.
Husband’s allegation: Mental torture was going on for two and a half years
The deceased’s husband, Rishi Verma, made serious allegations, alleging that the school staff had been mentally harassing his wife for the past two and a half years. He said that when Uma diligently taught the children, some members of the staff would taunt and criticize her. On several occasions, the entire staff even filed complaints against her. He repeatedly tried to secure a transfer, but was unsuccessful.
Could life have been saved if treatment had been provided on time?
The husband also alleged that teachers saw her hanging from the noose, but neither pulled her down in time nor took her for medical attention. He says that if she had received timely medical attention, her life might have been saved. He said he spoke to his wife around 10:30 a.m. on the day of the incident, and she did not seem distressed or show any signs of anything untoward.
Brother also made serious allegations
The deceased’s brother, Shivakant Verma, said that his sister taught children diligently, but the school staff targeted her for this very reason. People would say, “She’s a great teacher, she wants awards.” He alleged that assistant teacher Sushil Verma and school in-charges Sitavati, Jaya, and Archana constantly harassed her. Calling the case suspicious, Shivakant said that the door of the room where the hanging took place wasn’t locked from the inside. He alleged that the school staff tidied things up before calling the police.
Assurance of investigation, assurance of action
District Basic Education Officer Naveen Kumar Pathak described the incident as extremely tragic. He said that the police are investigating the matter and if anyone is found to have a suspicious or culpable role, strict action will be taken against them.