A video purportedly showing six Class 9 students consuming liquor inside a classroom at a government-aided school in Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli district, has surfaced on social media, drawing sharp reactions from parents and educationists.
The video, allegedly recorded by a student, shows girls in school uniform seated in a circle inside a classroom, with one student seen pouring a liquid mixed with water into plastic cups before consuming it.
School inquiry confirms incident
According to sources, the school management conducted an internal inquiry after the video went viral and confirmed that the incident had taken place on campus.
Following counselling sessions, the management suspended the six students for misconduct. However, officials said the students have been permitted to appear for examinations, in line with educational norms.
Education department to probe supply source
Chief Educational Officer M Sivakumar said he is scheduled to conduct an inquiry at the school on Monday. The focus of the investigation will be on how the students obtained the liquor and whether any external individuals were involved in supplying it.
The department is also expected to examine supervision lapses during school hours.
Parents question lack of supervision
Parents expressed serious concern over the apparent absence of teachers or staff when the incident occurred. They urged authorities to take strict action against those responsible for supplying liquor to minors and to strengthen monitoring mechanisms within school premises.
Educationists said the episode highlights the need for counselling, awareness programmes, and closer engagement with students during adolescence.
Political reactions follow incident
PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, reacting on social media platform X, criticised the state government, stating that easy access to liquor near educational institutions was influencing young minds.
He alleged that students often pass multiple liquor outlets on their way to school and said this environment was contributing to repeated such incidents across Tamil Nadu.
Call for preventive measures
Officials said appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry. Child welfare experts have stressed the importance of addressing the root causes through preventive education, parental involvement and stricter regulation around schools.