# UDF Releases CCTV Footage in School Excursion Alcohol Controversy Opposition leaders present video evidence alleging school officials visited a bar during a study tour. - **Source:** [The Hindu – National](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0e2ae670-b6b7-4e3d-88ab-a439315e0fe4 ## Visual Evidence Presented The United Democratic Front Meenangadi panchayat committee released CCTV footage on November 5, 2026. The video purportedly shows Principal Shivi Krishnan and PTA president Hijas Ulladan entering a bar in Nampally, Hyderabad. This disclosure follows ongoing allegations regarding the conduct of school officials during a recent student study tour. ## Financial Transaction Allegations UDF leaders, including former panchayat president K.E. Vinayan, claimed the footage shows the pair inside the establishment. They further alleged that a bill totaling ₹1,100 for alcoholic beverages was settled using the PTA president’s personal ATM card. These specific financial details were presented to support the claims of misconduct. ## Formal Complaints Initiated Following the release of the footage, UDF leadership filed a formal complaint with the Wayanad District Police Chief. They also announced intentions to approach the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. The group seeks an official investigation into the actions of the school authorities during the recent student trip. ## Cyberbullying and Intimidation Claims The UDF alleged that students who supported the school authorities faced severe cyberbullying and harsh online trials. They claimed that various vloggers and online media outlets were used to intimidate these students. The opposition argues these tactics were employed to sway public opinion in favor of the accused school officials. ## Initial Denial and Defense Principal Shivi Krishnan, who is associated with a left-leaning teachers’ association, previously refuted all allegations. He characterized the accusations as a targeted political move against him. A medical examination conducted after the tour reportedly showed no presence of alcohol in his blood, which he used to defend his position. ## Conflicting Public Narratives While a section of students publicly defended the principal, the UDF maintains that public opinion was manipulated. The opposition claims that online media influencers were pressured to protect the school authorities. This disconnect between the medical results and the new video evidence has deepened the controversy surrounding the school excursion. ## Political Context of Dispute The dispute highlights a significant friction between local political factions in Meenangadi. The involvement of the UDF and the principal's political affiliation suggests the incident has evolved beyond a school disciplinary matter. Both sides continue to utilize media platforms to present their version of events to the local community. ## Future Regulatory Scrutiny The case now rests on the findings of the Wayanad District Police and the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. Observers are waiting to see if the CCTV evidence will lead to further administrative action. The outcome will likely determine the future of the school's leadership and current PTA board. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/school-excursion-row-udf-leaders-release-cctv-footage-in-support-of-their-claims/article71669881.ece — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._