Two teachers working in the panchayat union elementary school at Pinnaiyur village in Thanjavur district have been placed under suspension and the school headmistress transferred by the district elementary education officer (DEEO) as the two teachers allegedly had an illicit affair.

The 36-year-old Mathiazhagan, residing at Kumbakonathan Street, and the 44-year-old Jothilakshmi, residing at Keezhavasal, have been working in the school since 2004. They reportedly had an illicit affair.

On learning this, local villagers complained to the headmistress, Krishnaveni, who neither took any action against the two nor reported to the officials in the department. Subsequently, the villagers petitioned DEEO Ranganathan.

Following this, the DEEO visited the school a couple of days ago and conducted inquiry with other teachers and students and found the allegation true.

Subsequently, he issued an order placing the two teachers under suspension and transferring Krishnaveni to Sankaranatharkudikadu village for failing to bring the matter to the notice of higher officials. Both the orders reached the school today.

On learning the transfer order, the 47-year-old headmistress Krishnaveni attempted suicide by swallowing sleeping pills at her residence at Bank Staff Colony today. She was rushed to a private hospital where her condition is said to be stable.