A school teacher accused of having sent lewd text messages to his female students has been suspended in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

The Chief Education Officer, Baramulla, Balbeer Singh, suspended teacher Owais Nanda, working at Government Higher Secondary School Shutloo Rafiabad, after a complaint.

"Pending an inquiry into the matter, Owais Ahmed Nanda, a teacher presently posted at HSS Shutloo, is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect.

During the period of suspension, the said official shall remain attached in the office of the principal of BHSS ( Boys Higher Secondary School) Sopore," reads the order issued by CEO Baramulla on August 31.

After the incident came to light, the locals staged a protest on Friday and demanded stern action against the accused teacher.

A committee led by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Baramulla, has been constituted to probe the matter.

Officials said, as per the complaint, the teacher had exchanged "lewd text messages" with school girls.

(With UNI inputs)