Teacher fired over misconduct jumps into river in Jhabua:Accused of inappropriate touching molestation of minor girls; search operation underway

A private school teacher in Jhabua district jumped from the Mahi river bridge on Monday afternoon. The teacher, identified as Ajay Patidar, was accused by 7th and 8th grade female students of inappropriate touching. Following the complaint, the school management terminated his employment the same day. He took the step a few hours later. Teacher’s message blamed school management Before jumping, Patidar posted a WhatsApp status claiming that false allegations were made against him and holding the school management responsible for his death. Friends and family who saw the status informed the police. Parents had demanded his removal School manager Raghvendra Singh Verma said the students had submitted complaints against Patidar. Parents also provided written requests for his removal. On Monday morning, Patidar was called to the school for a final settlement and was instructed not to return. He was paid his pending salary of Rs 17,100. Teacher threw salary notes at students CCTV footage shows that around 11 am, Patidar left the school office angrily with a black bag. During this, he threw about Rs 15,000 in salary notes at the female students appearing for exams and tore the remaining Rs 2,100. He also reportedly used abusive language towards a student, saying, “I will see to it.” Police alerted after social media post Around 1:40 pm, Patidar posted a status on social media about the allegations. Police tracked his mobile location and reached the Mahi river bridge around 2:30 pm, where his bag and mobile were found. Suspecting he had jumped into the river, a team of divers began the search. Divers continue search at river Sarangi police station in-charge Deepak Devare said divers are engaged in searching for Patidar, but the operation is facing challenges due to darkness. Police continue to monitor the scene.