WBBSE Takes Strict Action Against School Staff for Assault on Exam Officer
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has taken decisive disciplinary action by suspending eight staff members from Ajhapur High School in East Burdwan. This stern measure comes in response to a serious incident where a board exam centre officer was allegedly assaulted after detecting a mobile phone violation during the ongoing Madhyamik examinations.
Incident Details and Immediate Suspensions
According to official reports, the controversy unfolded when Prashanta Kabiraj, the officer-in-charge of the examination centre, discovered a mobile phone with a non-teaching staff member inside the examination venue. The device reportedly rang while inside the headmaster's room, prompting Kabiraj to intervene as per examination protocols.
The situation escalated rapidly when Kabiraj attempted to seize the mobile phone and report the violation to higher authorities. What began as a verbal argument soon turned physical, with the officer alleging he sustained injuries to his right eye during the altercation.
Investigation and Evidence Challenges
The WBBSE has identified all eight individuals involved through available footage, including headmaster Asim Kumar Biswas, who also served as the venue supervisor, along with six teachers and one Group D staff member. All have been suspended pending a full inquiry into the matter.
Interestingly, investigation sources reveal that while CCTV footage captured the initial argument, cameras were reportedly switched off during the alleged assault, creating an approximately 11-minute gap in the visual evidence. A senior WBBSE officer confirmed that a comprehensive report is being prepared while emphasizing the immediate suspensions reflect the seriousness with which the board views such incidents.
Examination Protocol Violations Across Centers
This incident highlights the strict mobile phone regulations during board examinations. According to WBBSE guidelines, only three designated officials—the centre secretary, officer-in-charge, and venue supervisor—are permitted to carry mobile phones inside examination venues.
The same day witnessed additional violations across West Bengal, with five Class X candidates facing termination after being caught with mobile phones during their second language paper examination. These cases emerged from centers in West Burdwan, North 24-Parganas, Birbhum, and Murshidabad districts.
In a contrasting development, two candidates at Swarnamayee Girls' High School in East Midnapore avoided disciplinary action by voluntarily surrendering their mobile phones before their examination commenced.
Ongoing Examinations and Board's Response
The Madhyamik examinations for Class 10 students began across West Bengal on February 2 and will continue until February 12. This year, approximately 9.85 lakh students are participating in these crucial board examinations.
WBBSE officials have assured that they will visit the affected examination centre to ensure smooth conduct of remaining examinations. The board's prompt action demonstrates its commitment to maintaining examination integrity and enforcing strict protocols during this critical academic period.
