UP education e-Chaupal meet hijacked by pornographic video, probe underway

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A crucial online meeting to address educational infrastructure and staffing issues in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district was abruptly derailed last week after an unidentified participant played a pornographic video, forcing officials to call off the session.

According to an NDTV report, the incident occurred during an ‘e-Chaupal’, a virtual public forum, chaired by District Magistrate Santosh Kumar Sharma on August 7. The Zoom meeting, attended by block education officers, headmasters, teachers, journalists and local residents, was intended to discuss school facilities and administrative concerns.

However, proceedings were severely disrupted when an individual using the name 'Jason Jr' joined the session. Midway through the discussions, the participant shared his screen and played explicit content, leaving attendees shocked.

NDTV reported that the untoward incident resulted in organisers cancelling the remainder of the meeting. The abrupt end left participants unsettled, derailing vital discussions on educational reforms and school facilities.

In response to the violation, Block Education Officer Sudama Prasad took prompt action by lodging a formal complaint with police two days after the incident.

The subsequent investigation is now being led by Sadar Kotwali Station House Officer Satyendra Rai, with support from cyber police experts. "The accused are being identified through technical means and action will be taken soon," Rai reported to PTI.