Student Protest Erupts After Madhya Pradesh School Suspends Four for AI-Modified Principal Image

Huge Protest After Madhya Pradesh School Suspends 4 Over Principal's AI-Morphed Pic

The students have firmly stated they will continue their protest until the principal is removed from his position.

Mandla:

A disciplinary measure regarding an alleged AI-generated inappropriate image has escalated into a significant demonstration at a school in Madhya Pradesh's Mandla district.

Hundreds of students from Sandipani School in Niwas tehsil blocked the Niwas-Mandla main road for approximately one hour on Tuesday morning after the suspension of four students accused of creating and distributing an objectionable image of the principal using Artificial Intelligence technology.

The blockade disrupted traffic flow, causing difficulties for travelers and commercial vehicles until police persuaded the students to end their road protest.

Following this, the students relocated their demonstration to the school grounds, where they demanded the removal of Principal Ved Prakash Avadhiya.

The controversy began on November 7, when three male students and one female student from Class 12 allegedly created and widely shared an AI-generated altered photograph of the principal on social media platforms. In response, the principal filed a police complaint and implemented a one-month suspension for the students after conducting an internal school investigation.

"The students used AI to create my image and posted it online. I reported the incident to authorities. Following the investigation, four students received suspensions, but one student refuses to accept the punishment and is misleading others," Principal Avadhiya explained.

He further alleged that this particular student created a WhatsApp group to mobilize fellow students and is "attempting to deflect from his misconduct by transforming it into a protest movement."

The protesting students, however, have raised serious allegations about the principal's conduct. They claim he verbally abuses, threatens, and physically intimidates both the student body and teaching staff.

"He threatens expulsion, physically punishes children, and even chases students who arrive late. Teachers are considering resignation because of his behavior," stated one student participating in the demonstration.

The protesting students maintain they will continue their demonstration until the principal is removed from his position.

District Education Officer (DEO) Munni Varkade and the Block Education Officer visited the location and conducted multiple discussion sessions with both parties involved.

Despite receiving assurances from officials, students have remained firm in their demands. The principal has continued to assert that the protests were instigated by the suspended students following disciplinary action taken against them for "immoral activities on social media."