GADAG: The Karnataka education department has suspended the headmaster of a government high school in Nagavi in Gadag district of Karnataka — who was facing charges of distributing books on Prophet Muhammad among students — on Wednesday.
Gadag deputy director of public instruction GM Basavalingappa told TOI that based on Gadag rural block education officer's report, he had submitted a report to the Dharwad additional commissioner of public instruction.
"The additional commissioner has suspended Abdul Munaf Bijapur pending the departmental inquiry," Basavalingappa said.
Sriram Sene activists had picketed the school on Tuesday, alleging that the headmaster was trying to spread the Islamic teachings among students.
Following their protest, higher officials had rushed to the spot and had assured of action against the headmaster.
However, Bijapur maintained that there is an activity in Class IX social science "to sensitise students about all religions and great souls".
"I had been conducting such activities during the jayantis of Basavanna, Valmiki, Ambedkar, Gandhi and all others," he added.
