Udupi (The Hindu): She is accused of harassing a physical education teacher. Members of the Udupi district units of the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti and Samata Sainik Dal and the Ashrayadata Auto Union staged a dharna in front of the Mount Rosary High School at Santhekatte-Kallianpur near here on Wednesday.

The protesters demanded the transfer of the school headmistress, Sister Regina, for allegedly harassing a physical education teacher, Nagaraj, who attempted suicide on February 9. However, there were only 20 protesters in front of the school entrance gate. There was tight police security in front of the school and the classes went on as usual.

Ramesh Kotian, convener of Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti, said that Mr. Nagaraj was harassed and threatened by the school headmistress and two others of school governing board on February 9. He then attempted suicide the same day. He is now recovering int a private hospital here.

The school had got many trophies in sports events due to Mr. Nagaraj’s efforts. He was also a recipient of District-level Best Teacher Award. But the headmistress wanted to sack Mr. Nagaraj. Even though an enquiry was initiated against Mr. Nagaraj, notice had not been issued to him, he said.

“Our demand is that Sister Regina should be immediately transferred from here. We have no complaints about the school,” Mr. Kotian said.

Vishwanath Pethri, convener of the district unit of Samata Sainik Dal, Ramesh Shetty, convener of the Ashrayadata Auto Union, and others were present.