Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 13: The department of education has issued order suspending two teachers who were found to be indulging in malicious campaign against minister, H D Revanna. The teachers happen to be working in a government school at Bidanur in Arkalgud taluk. The teachers reportedly were canvassing in favour of Congress candidate from Arkalgud, A Manju.

An audio clip containing footage of a teacher speaking ill of PWD minister, Revanna, when conversing with his colleague had become viral in social websites. Some JD(S) workers, who were hurt by this footage, had filed complain.

The police who registered the case and probed the matter, confirmed that the voices contained in the audio were those of the teachers concerned. In this backdrop, the education department came to the conclusion that the conversation had undermined the reputation of the minister. Therefore, an order suspending the teachers were issued under Karnataka Civil Service Rules 1966.

These teachers had spread video footage of the then chief minister, Siddaramaiah, seeking votes in favour of A Manju, through WhatsApp. They also had urged teachers to utilize postal ballots and vote for Manju. These were also considered by the department.

Advocate for the teachers said that the teachers got suspension orders on December 4 as higher officers brought pressure on the department officials to take action. He noted that action was taken six months after the incident, and that the teaches were suspended without holding investigation as per rules.