Teacher worships Asaram in school, suspended

A government school teacher in Barmer district has been suspended for allegedly “worshipping” a self-styled ‘godman’ Asaram in the school.

The accused teacher Magaram, posted with government primary school in Dholader village in Barmer, used to keep a portrait of Asaram in school assembly and recited ‘Asaram Chalisa’. He also used to ask school students to recite the Chalisa instead of prayer.

“During my Barmer visit on Thursday, some teachers complained to me about it. It was verified by the headmaster following which he was suspended yesterday,” Elementary Education Secretary K L Meena told PTI today.

Meena said other teachers had objected to the “practice” but he did not stop “praying” Asaram. The 74-year-old ‘godman’ was in Jodhpur jail since August, 2013 for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old schoolgirl.