This information was given during the general body meeting of the Zilla Parishad, held on Monday.

After hearing the shocking information, eight members of the ZP walked out of the meeting, demanding an inquiry into the affairs of the education department.

Replying to a query raised by ZP members Nana Gath and Anandrao Jadhav, Education Officer Sarjerao Jadhav said that Hatkangale taluka's block education officer B B Bhandari had refused to sanction medical leave to education extension officer Jadhav and that he had also written some strictures in his subordinate officer's service book. The subsequent heated arguments over the issue had led to both of them beating each other, Jadhav said.

Jadhav said that the education department's inquiry into the incident had revealed that both the officers were guilty and therefore, they have been transferred.

The ZP administration has also recommended to the deputy director of education to withhold the annual increment of the two officers, Jadhav informed the general body meeting. He further said that the deputy director of education has the powers to suspend erring officials.

The education officer further said that during the inquiry, both the officers had denied that they had indulged in fighting. However other employees who were witnesses to the clash have given a written statement, confirming the incident of physical assault.

Giving details of the incident, Jadhav said that in the past, too, often the two officers used to clash with each other. There were complaints that Bhandari used to insult Jadhav and the ZP administration had admonished both the officers in this connection. After hearing the statement made by the education officers, many members criticised various irregularities of the education department and also expressed their concern over the deteriorating standards of education.