Pancha Primary School in Controversy Again: Absent Teacher from the US Goes Viral with Serious Allegations
Bhavnaben Patel’s Viral Video from America Stirs Controversy
Currently, many schools in Gujarat are facing issues where teachers have taken leaves to either travel abroad or settle in foreign countries. The Banaskantha district is seeing actions being taken against several such teachers. In Danta Taluka, a similar case has emerged with four teachers under scrutiny. The issue first came to light in Panchha village, where Bhavnaben Patel, a teacher at Panchha Primary School, has been absent for eight months. The in-charge principal of Panchha Primary School, Parulben, made written representations to the Education Minister, District Primary Education Officer, and Danta Primary Education Officer regarding Bhavnaben’s absence. Bhavnaben Patel has since settled in America, and a video of her making serious allegations against several individuals, including the in-charge principal Parulben, has gone viral on social media, bringing Panchha Primary School into controversy once again.
Bhavnaben’s Viral Video from America
Bhavnaben Patel, who has been absent for eight months, released a video from abroad addressing the allegations against her. In the video, she mentioned that when the principal of their primary school went for training in Palanpur, in-charge principal Parulben took advantage of the situation and called two private news channel reporters to make a viral video. In this video, Parulben allegedly made various statements, sometimes claiming that Bhavnaben had been absent for eight years, sometimes eight months, and that she had left after receiving her Diwali salary. Other statements included that children were being told that Bhavnaben hadn’t been seen for two years. Bhavnaben expressed confusion and concern over the conflicting statements made by Parulben. She stated that a relative sent her the viral video, after which she immediately contacted them to inquire about the situation. The relative suggested investigating the video further.
Allegations of Bribery Against the In-Charge Principal
Afterward, I (Bhavnaben Patel) received a call from a man who informed me that my video had gone viral and suggested that we should do something to resolve the situation. I asked him how we could resolve it, and he replied that I should remain calm while he talked to the people who made the video. Later, after speaking with two private reporters, he video-called me and another person mentioned that to settle this matter, I would have to “make a deal.” At this point, I needed to record the conversation, so I kept asking them questions. They said that some money would have to be paid to the Collector’s office, the main office, other offices, and a little would be kept for themselves.
Bhavnaben Patel Claims She Has Followed All Procedures
I then asked who exactly needed to be paid, when, and how much. One of the reporters mentioned that he would add another person to the conference call. They then brought in Parulben, the in-charge principal, into the conference call. During the call, Parulben asked how everything was progressing with her “work” and urged them to ensure everything was taken care of. After this conversation, the call was abruptly cut off. Later, another person told me that the cost of resolving the issue would be around five lakhs. I responded that since my video had already gone viral, there was no reason for me to pay anything, as I do not believe in bribery. When I left, I obtained my passport, got an NOC from the District Panchayat, and completed all the processes, including getting an NOC for my visa. I have all the necessary documents and evidence, and I can present them when I return.
Demanded 5 Lakhs to Suppress the Matter
In a viral video from America, Bhavnaben Patel refuted the allegations made against her, claiming they were false. She also countered the accusations made by Parulben, the in-charge principal, by alleging that Parulben demanded 5 lakhs to suppress the matter. As the controversy around absent teachers grew, the District Primary Education Officer, M.B. Makwana, issued notices to four teachers from Danta Taluka, including Bhavnaben Patel from Pancha village. A report on the matter has also been sent to the district level.
