Sasaram: Tension prevailed in parts of Rohtas district on Wednesday after suspected beef, allegedly packed in polythene bags, was found inside a cupboard at Urdu Upgraded Middle School at Ramudih village under Rajpur block. Acting swiftly, the district administration detained five teachers of the school for questioning and placed them under suspension. It also sent the seized material to Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for test.Sub-divisional magistrate Prabhat Kumar (SDM), Bikramganj, Prabhat Kumar confirmed the action, stating that the decision was taken to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry into the incident. The matter came to light following allegations from local residents that the suspected beef was brought to serve their children as part of the mid-day meal, in an attempt to influence their religious beliefs.Upon receiving information, district magistrate (DM) Udita Singh and superintendent of police (SP) Roshan Kumar to rush to the school with senior officials and police personnel, and ordered the immediate suspension of five teachers after inspection. Those suspended include in-charge headmaster Akhtar Ali, teachers Md Imran and Anwar Khan, and female teachers Sufiya Khatoon and Hina Kausar.During a thorough inspection of the premises, officials recovered three black polythene bags containing suspected beef from inside the school. The recovery further escalated tensions in the area, prompting the administration to deploy magistrates and additional police forces to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.Rohtas SP Rosan Kumar said that seized material has been sent for Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) test to determine its nature. Meanwhile, the block education officer (BEO) has submitted an application seeking the registration of an FIR under relevant legal provisions.According to officials, preliminary allegations suggest that the suspected beef may have been brought and stored on the school premises by some staff members. However, the exact facts and responsibility would be established only after the completion of the investigation.The SDM, who earlier visited the school, pacified the agitated people who gathered on the school premises in protest, said, considering the sensitivity of the issue, the administration is proceeding with caution.“Continuous monitoring is being carried out in the area, and residents have been urged not to spread rumours or circulate objectionable content on social media,” the official said, warning that strict legal action would be taken against those found guilty.
