The principal of a school in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh was allegedly shot dead by a Class XII student after being admonished for coming late on Friday. The student and an accomplice, both from the Arts stream, fled the scene on the victim’s scooter, police officials said.
Superintendent of Police Agam Jain stated that Principal Surendra Kumar Saxena, 55, was shot in the head near the school’s restroom at around 1:30 pm. "Saxena died on the spot. The alleged shooter and his associate fled on the deceased's scooter. Efforts are on to nab both the students," news agency PTI quoted Jain as saying.
City Superintendent of Police Aman Mishra confirmed that a single shot was fired using a country-made pistol, which is yet to be recovered. Further details are awaited from the deceased’s X-ray reports. "As per initial investigations, the two accused were upset at being scolded for coming late today as well as on earlier occasions," said Mishra, who was at the crime spot during the investigation.
Family Says Incident Was 'Premeditated Act'
In-charge of district education officer RP Prajapati said Saxena was the principal of Dhamora Government Higher School for the past five years.
Harishankar Joshi, a teacher at the institution, also gave a remark about Saxena that he was a "gem of a person". He noted the alleged shooter had a reputation for indiscipline and sporadic attendance. "Principal Saxena used to counsel such students. If things did not improve, he would call parents of such students. Saxena had cordial relations with all the staff," Joshi added.
As per the NDTV reports, the family of Saxena believes that the incident was a premeditated act. His brother, Rajendra Saxena, said, "Some individuals at the school were pressuring him unnecessarily and harassing him to carry out wrongful acts. This murder appears to be part of a planned conspiracy."
ALSO READ | Delhi Triple Murder: Son Arrested For Killing Sister, Parents On Their 'Wedding Anniversary'