Surat: The Municipal School Board (MSB) suspended the principal of Municipal School No. 16 after a Class IX student was electrocuted, citing negligence in maintaining school infrastructure. The physical education teacher, who was on contract basis, has also been relieved of duty.MSB officials said the the principal, Mustufa Malek, was suspended based on instructions from senior Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) officials. Physical education teacher Bahauddin Shaikh has been removed from service with immediate effect.SMC officials said a preliminary inquiry found that the school had earlier been directed to inspect its infrastructure and identify any structures or facilities that could pose a danger to students. The instructions also required the school to ensure timely repairs and corrective measures wherever risks were found.“Despite the specific instructions issued to school officials, they did not take necessary actions. The principal was found responsible for negligence,” a senior SMC official said.The MSB ordered a departmental inquiry to determine how the electrocution occurred and to establish responsibility for infrastructure maintenance. Officials said the inquiry will also examine whether any staff members or designated personnel failed to act on safety-related directions and whether required checks were conducted before the incident.MSB authorities stated that further action will be taken after the inquiry report is submitted, based on the findings regarding negligence and accountability for school safety and maintenance procedures.
