Bhubaneswar: Principal of one of the prestigious educational institutes of the city, DAV School Unit-VIII, said she was feeling insecure on the school premises.

The message, which was sent to all the parents, has invited strong reactions from the school.

Principal DAV (Unit-VIII) Ipsita Das said: "Since my joining here as the principal on June 5, a few parents have been intentionally visiting me beyond the scheduled visiting hours and compelling me to stay back till late evening."

"I, being a woman, feel quite unsafe to remain with those parents on the premises of the school amid such a threatening atmosphere."

She asked the parents to meet her between 2pm and 3pm only. "By saying that she is not safe on the school premises what message the principal wants to send across? She should not raise the issue of gender. Our sons and daughters are studying here. What motivation they will get from such a principal, who says she is unsafe in school. There are security guards and hundreds of staff members. At this point raising the safety issues speak volume about the moral of the school itself," said one of the angry parents.

He, however, did not want to divulge the name as his son is studying in Class VIII.

The intense fight between the school authority and the parents has already reached the police station.

Even a serious altercation had ensued between the parents and the principal.

Later, the police intervened to bring the situation under control.

The parents alleged that every year school fee was hiked by 10 to 15 per cent, and accused it of financial irregularities.

"The authorities are not communicating with us regarding the amount deposited and the expenses incurred. They were not able to show us adequate documents," said a parent.

The parents also demanded withdrawal of the Parents Teacher Co-ordination Committee as it has been formed keeping the interest of the school management in mind.

On the issue of fee hike, the school said they were following the guidelines similar to rest of the DAV schools.