Full Breakdown
Principal Removed After Distribution of Booklets Linked to Convicted Guru in Chhattisgarh School
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event
On October 26, booklets associated with Asaram—a self-styled spiritual leader serving life sentences for rape—were handed out to middle-school students at the Swami Atmanand Government English Medium School of Excellence in Raghunathpur village, Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh. The school, which enrolls more than 100 pupils, distributed the materials to an estimated 25-30 students. The incident came to the attention of authorities on October 27 after children brought the booklets home and a parent reported the matter to the education department. Following a preliminary inquiry, the school’s principal, Mahesh Prajapati, was removed from his post and attached to the district collector’s office.
02
Background on Asaram
Asaram, whose full name is Asram Bapu, was convicted in two separate 2013 rape cases—one by a court in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and another involving the rape of a minor at his ashram in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. He is serving life imprisonment in both cases, and his ashrams have been seized by the government. The booklets distributed at the school were titled “Sanskar Sarita,” “Vrat Niyam,” and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” among others, and were said to promote Asaram or provide information about his followers.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Timeline of the Incident
- October 26 – Followers of Asaram visited the school and handed out the booklets in the presence of the principal.
- October 27 – Parents discovered the material after children took the booklets home and lodged complaints with the education department.
- Following day(s) – Balrampur District Education Officer Narendra Nirapure directed the Block Education Officer to conduct an inquiry and submit a report.
- After preliminary findings – Principal Mahesh Prajapati was removed from his position and reassigned to the collector’s office.
04
Data and Statistics
- School enrollment: over 100 students.
- Booklet recipients: approximately 25-30 middle-school students.
- Titles of distributed material: “Sanskar Sarita,” “Vrat Niyam,” “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” among others.
05
Official Statements & Responses
Balrampur District Education Officer Narendra Nirapure stated that the Block Education Officer was tasked with investigating the distribution and submitting a report. He added that, based on the preliminary findings of that probe, the principal was removed and further investigation is underway.
The Block Education Officer, identified in reports as Shyam Kishore Jaiswal, visited the school, recorded statements from students and parents, and confirmed that the booklets had been handed out during the visit by Asaram’s followers.
Parents expressed displeasure, alleging that the material promoted a convicted rapist and that children were asked to read it and potentially be tested on its contents. Their complaints prompted the education department’s swift action.
06
Data & Statistics Summary
- Principal removed: Mahesh Prajapati.
- Administrative action: Attachment to the collector’s office pending further inquiry.
The episode underscores heightened scrutiny of educational material in government-run schools, especially when linked to individuals convicted of serious crimes. No further updates on the inquiry’s final report have been released.