A Catholic school in Uttar Pradesh has been at the centre of several days of unrest following allegations of inappropriate behaviour against its founding principal.
St. Francis School Khunta Kheda, located in Rampur district, came under scrutiny after accusations were made against Fr Arisher Joseph, a Catholic priest belonging to the Third Order Regular of St Francis of Penance (TOR). He was detained by police on 16 February and released later the same day on bail.
According to local reports, police stepped in after a group of angry parents gathered on the school premises. During the unrest, the priest was physically assaulted before officers restored order.
The police report states that concerns arose when some parents observed that their children appeared fearful or reluctant to attend school. When questioned, several pupils reportedly said that the principal had called them individually to his office for disciplinary reasons. Allegations were then made that he had behaved inappropriately while claiming to administer punishment.
Authorities have opened an investigation into the matter. The allegations remain unproven, and legal proceedings are ongoing.
The situation has divided opinion within the local community. While some families have expressed concern, another group of parents has publicly defended the priest and the school.
Supporters state that the school has long been respected for its academic standards and disciplined environment. They argue that their children have studied there for years without incident and describe the campus as safe and well-managed.
These parents have called for a fair and transparent investigation. They have urged that the matter be handled through proper legal channels rather than through public accusations or unrest that could damage the school’s reputation without confirmed evidence.
They also suggested that possible external pressures or rival interests may be contributing to the controversy, though no official confirmation of such claims has been made.
Bhaskar Jesuraj, Bishop of the Diocese of Meerut, addressed the situation, stating that the school is operated by a religious order within his diocese.
He expressed sadness over video footage showing the assault on the priest and emphasised that allegations must be handled through lawful procedures. He stressed that no individual has the right to take justice into their own hands.
Police investigations are continuing as authorities examine the claims and gather statements from those involved. Church officials have called for calm and for respect for the legal process, while praying for truth and justice to prevail.
This is a rewritten version of the original article from Asia News.
