Mangaluru : A teacher asked students to remove the rakhis tied around the wrist at the Government Higher Primary School in Papemajalu of Puttur taluk on Monday.

Parents and members of a right-wing organisation expressed their displeasure at the teacher. 

Headmistress Terez said the rakhis had turned black and dirty. “As it gets wet while washing hands, we had asked the students to get it removed in the interest of their health. The teachers did not scold the students. However, since objections were raised, we did not allow the issue to escalate and apologised,” she said.

The parents felt that their religious sentiments were hurt, adding that Raksha Bandhan has a great significance. They said no other school have asked the students to remove it.

“The issue has been solved amicably after Terez tendered an apology for committing the mistake without any intention. Such incidents will not recur in the school,” said a source.

Meanwhile, the Puttur block education officer (BEO) has promised to look into the incident.