Three officials from Janata Secondary School (Technical) in Golbazar Municipality-4, Siraha, are under investigation for allegedly authorising salary payments to a teacher who has been abroad for months.

The probe was initiated after it was discovered that salary and allowances were withdrawn in the name of teacher Bimala Kumari Jha, despite her absence from the school since May 23, 2024, when she travelled to Australia without approved leave. A total of Rs296,345.63 was reportedly disbursed in her name until mid-October.

Following a meeting of the municipal education committee on Wednesday, Education Section Chief Subodh Kumar Lama, school principal Bharat Prasad Sah, and accounts chief Rameshwar Sah were relieved of their duties pending investigation. Municipal administrative chief Harilal Puri said that the officials have been placed on mandatory attendance at the municipality, and their salaries have been suspended effective immediately until the investigation concludes.