Barabanki Teacher's Death Sparks Workplace Abuse Claims

In Barabanki district, the body of Uma Verma, a 40-year-old government teacher, was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan in the headmaster's room of the Composite School in Udhavapur village on Saturday. The incident has ignited a serious debate, with her family alleging that persistent workplace harassment by the headmaster and some colleagues over the past three years drove her to depression and ultimately to her death.

However, colleagues at the school presented a different narrative, stating that Uma had been suffering from a long-term illness and depression for several years. They claim there were no recent disputes or harassment incidents within the school premises, and that she was undergoing treatment for her mental health. Basic shiksha adhikari Naveen Pathak and block education officer Ashwani Kumar Singh have commenced a preliminary inquiry into the matter.

Police were promptly alerted and have sent the body for a post-mortem examination. Further legal proceedings are contingent upon the examination's results and any formal complaint lodged by Uma's family. Her husband confirmed their last phone conversation on Saturday morning, during which Uma gave no indication of distress, though he recalled her mentioning prior issues with school staff.