A government school teacher in Telangana, suspended months ago over allegations of promoting a private school through Instagram reels, has resigned from service, saying prolonged humiliation, workplace pressure and online trolling forced her to leave the profession.

Bhukya Gauthami, who worked as an English school assistant at Mamillagudem High School in Khammam district, announced her resignation in an emotional video shared on social media. She said she had dedicated nearly 12 years to teaching but no longer had the strength to continue after months of criticism and personal distress.

The controversy began in January when District Educational Officer Chaitanya Jaini suspended her. Authorities alleged that she promoted admissions to a private school through Instagram reels, neglected her official duties and continued creating social media content despite repeated warnings.

Teacher disputes allegations, details reasons for quitting

In her video, Gauthami admitted she had created Instagram reels but said she had not fully understood the consequences of doing so. She also disputed claims that the videos were recorded during school hours, maintaining they were filmed at her home and insisting she had never neglected her responsibilities as a teacher.

She said she came from a financially disadvantaged tribal family and entered government service with the support of her father and husband. According to Gauthami, her ambition had always been to educate underprivileged children, and she had even conducted special English classes beyond her regular duties.

Explaining her decision to resign, she alleged that after her suspension she was made to wait for hours when she sought reappointment, was denied an appointment and later reprimanded by the District Education Officer. She also claimed hardworking teachers were often overlooked, while others who avoided teaching or engaged in workplace politics continued without facing similar treatment.

Gauthami said the combined impact of workplace hostility, alleged harassment and sustained abuse on social media had left her emotionally exhausted, leading her to resign from government service. She had earlier appealed to social media users to stop the online trolling directed at her.