Police probe poppy husk plants on school premises

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, March 12

A video has gone viral on the social media purportedly showing poppy husk plants sown on the premises of Government Senior Secondary School, Badrukhan village.

While the school authorities feign ignorance and village residents call it an attempt to tarnish the school's image, the police and Education Department authorities have started investigations.

"In the video, poppy husk plants are seen sown near the school's main gate. It seems impossible as I frequent the school. Moreover, teachers and students pass by the spot almost daily. Since our school has been gaining popularity, it's a ploy to defame it," claimed sarpanch Kuljeet Toor.

Defamation bid

I am aware of the video, but have not seen any such plant in the school in the past

six months. Someone has tried to defame the school. — Vinod Kumar, Principal,

Govt Sr Sec School, Badrukhan

Won't spare guilty

An inquiry will be conducted and action will be taken against anyone found guilty.

— Sangrur DEO (Secondary)

In the video, teachers are blamed for allowing the cultivation of poppy husk plants near the park of the school and it is alleged some plants had been cut by the authorities. The school is located on the Sangrur-Barnala main road.

"It's really shocking as the Capt Amarinder government has been running a campaign against drugs. I will take up the matter with the higher authorities for a high-level inquiry and strict action against the culprits," said Daman Thind Bajwa, Sunam Congress in charge.

The Sangrur District Education Officer (Secondary) said they would hold an inquiry and initiate action if anyone was found guilty.

"I am aware of the video, but have not seen any such plant in the school in the past six months. Someone has tried to defame the school," said Principal Vinod Kumar.

Badrukhan police post in charge Gurmail Singh said their team visited the school but didn't find any such plant. "We are recording the statements of school authorities and investigations are on," he said.

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