Students and teachers of a state-aided Bengali medium high school in Malda witnessed a rare scene on campus on Wednesday as the headmaster and the assistant headmaster came to blows over a new rule.

Headmaster Md Badiuzzaman and assistant headmaster Sunanda Majumdar of Enayetpur Uchcha Vidyalaya in Manikchak block of the district have filed police complaints against each other. The police and the district education department have initiated separate inquiries into the incident.

Sources said that a few days back, the headmaster introduced a system wherein anybody, including the teachers, will have to put down entry and exit timings with signatures on a register if they leave on any errand during school hours.

On Wednesday, Majumdar approached headmaster Badiuzzaman, who reportedly was carrying the keys to the main entrance, and said he needed to go out during recess. Badiuzzaman, in return, asked him to put his signature and time of his leaving.

“This led to a verbal altercation. Soon, both attacked each other, exchanging slaps, fisticuffs, mauling and even kicking the other. It was an unprecedented incident. The students were perplexed. We intervened and somehow managed to separate them,” said a teacher who didn’t want to be named.

The fighting duo were injured enough to be taken to the local rural hospital. Later, they filed complaints against each other with Manikchak police.

“The headmaster made this decision without holding any meeting. As I protested, he attacked me without provocation. The police should take steps against him,” alleged Majumdar.

The headmaster accused Majumdar of highhandedness. “He always wants to exert his influence at the institution. The new rule is essential for discipline and safety. As I asked him to follow the rule, he started beating me up,” Badiuzzaman claimed.

Parents are shocked. “How can two seniormost teachers fight in a school? It is a matter of shame. The administration should alert them against such behaviour. Our children saw the fight and are shocked,” said Sheikh Bablu, a parent.

Police officers in Manikchak said they received both complaints. “We are checking the CCTV footage of the school. Appropriate steps will be taken,” said an officer.

An official of the district education department said they were also looking into the issue.

Both teachers were absent on Thursday. Sources said the headmaster was on leave and the assistant headmaster was still admitted to the rural hospital.