Absconding Education Officer Arrested in Delhi in Teacher Suicide Case
The Gorakhpur police have arrested Shalini Srivastava, the absconding Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA), from Delhi, ending a three-month-long search. Srivastava is accused of abetting the suicide of Krishna Mohan Singh, an assistant teacher at a government primary school. Singh was found hanging at his residence in Gorakhpur over three months ago. The accused carried a reward of ₹25,000 on her head.
The arrest marks a breakthrough in a case that has highlighted alleged corruption in the Uttar Pradesh education department. The BSA is a key administrative officer overseeing primary and upper primary schools in the district.
Singh’s death had sent shockwaves through the local teaching community. Colleagues and union members staged protests demanding a high-level inquiry, which led to the education department suspending Srivastava shortly after the incident.
According to the complaint by Singh’s family, he had been suspended from his post under circumstances they term unjust. He was repeatedly summoned to the BSA office and allegedly humiliated. Desperate to return to work, he was approached by a retired principal who claimed to have influence. The family alleges that the retired principal, acting at the behest of Srivastava, brokered a deal: a payment of ₹16 lakh to secure Singh’s reinstatement. Fearing for his career, Singh borrowed money and paid the amount in two instalments.
Despite the payment, the family claims that demands for more money continued, and no joining letter was issued. The unrelenting harassment and financial burden reportedly drove Singh to take his own life.
After his death, a police case was registered, and Srivastava was named as an accused. She was suspended from her position but managed to evade arrest. The police launched a massive manhunt, conducting raids in Gorakhpur and nearby districts. A reward of ₹25,000 was announced for information. For over three months, Srivastava remained elusive, frequently changing her locations across states to avoid detection. Special teams were deployed, and sustained technical surveillance eventually tracked her down in Delhi, where she was arrested.
Circle Officer Ravi Singh confirmed the arrest: “We have arrested Shalini Srivastava in Delhi and are bringing her to Gorakhpur.” The police have not disclosed operational details.
The case has sparked outrage among teacher unions and citizens, who demand strict action against all involved. Legal experts note that abetment of suicide is a serious charge under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code. To establish guilt, the prosecution must prove that the accused instigated or intentionally aided the suicide. If convicted, the punishment can extend to ten years of imprisonment and a fine.
With Srivastava in custody, authorities will interrogate her to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy. Investigators will also seek to identify other individuals, including the retired principal who allegedly brokered the deal. The investigation remains ongoing.
The family of the deceased has expressed cautious relief at the arrest but continues to press for a thorough and impartial probe. They have also urged authorities to examine the role of any senior officials who may have been aware of the extortion racket, and to ensure swift justice.
