PATNA: Five government school teachers were arrested at the India-Nepal border in Bihar’s Supaul district on Friday for allegedly being intoxicated while accompanying students on an educational tour.
The teachers, from Madhepura and Khagaria districts, were returning from Nepal with students under the Chief Minister Bihar Darshan Scheme when they were stopped at the Bhimnagar checkpoint. Officials became suspicious of their behaviour and conducted breath-analyser tests, which confirmed they had consumed alcohol.
Authorities have initiated suspension proceedings against the teachers, who may also face charges under Bihar’s prohibition law and possible dismissal from service.
Confirming the incident, district prohibition team inspector Sanjay Priyadarshi said the breath-analyser results were “shocking,” with all five teachers found under the influence of liquor.
Three of the arrested — Deepnarayan Ram, English Kumar and Dhirendra Kumar — are from Utkramit Madhya Vidyalaya Parihari in Kumarkhand block of Madhepura. The other two, Sivansh Kumar alias Shakti Shaman and Mithu Kumar, are from a middle school in Khagaria.
“The teachers have been sent to judicial custody. Instead of guiding students at historical sites, they consumed liquor in Nepal and travelled with children while intoxicated, raising serious safety concerns,” Priyadarshi said.
Supaul District Magistrate Sawan Kumar said the administration has taken serious note of the incident and begun suspension proceedings. Madhepura DM Abhishek Ranjan has also directed the district education officer to investigate and submit a report.
Officials said, in addition to legal action under the prohibition law, the teachers could face termination from service.
