The incident came to light on January 23 when the girls complained to Betul Collector, Chandra Shekhar Borkar that the drunk teacher-- identified as Mahesh Malviya-- not only forced them to dance but also caned them when they were unable to perform properly in a closed room.

The Collector, after conducting a probe suspended the accused teacher the next day for indulging in the indecent act, official sources said on Monday.

Though a section of media said a dance practice was being carried out as part of the Republic Day functions, officials did not confirm the same.

Parents of one of the school boys aged around 10, also alleged that the teacher asked him to buy a liquor bottle after handing over Rs 30 to him.

Earlier also, allegations of misbehaviour with girl students and committing irregularities in the mid-day meal scheme were levelled against Malviya.

Taking the issue seriously, Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee president Kantilal Bhuria had sent a committee headed by state Congress general secretary Dr Shashi Rajput, which after probe also substantiated the charges levelled by girls against the teacher.

The committee also demanded suspension of District Education Officer (DEO) for reinstating Malviya who was earlier also suspended following allegations of rape and misbehavior. He was put back to the same school by the DEO.