A private school in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, has been sealed by the Basic Education Department after a video showing girl students allegedly performing a dance while wearing burqas during an Independence Day programme surfaced on social media.

The video quickly attracted attention online and sparked controversy over the nature of the performance. Following the circulation of the clip, education officials ordered an inspection of the school to verify the circumstances surrounding the event.

According to officials, the inspection uncovered a separate regulatory violation. The school was found to be operating without the required government recognition.

District Basic Education Officer Amit Kumar Singh directed the Block Education Officer, Riyaz Ahmed, to inspect the institution after the video came to the authorities' attention.

During the inspection, officials found that the school had continued operating despite being previously instructed to stop its activities.

Officials said the school management had been directed around a week earlier to cease operations, but the institution allegedly continued functioning. The premises were subsequently sealed.

The school is located in the Ausani Buzurg area of Gonda district. Authorities have also indicated that students studying at the institution will be shifted to recognised government or private schools so that their education is not disrupted.

The incident has drawn attention not only because of the viral video but also because of questions surrounding the operation of an unrecognised educational institution.

The authorities' action, according to officials, was based on the school's lack of recognition rather than solely on the dance video.

Further details regarding any additional action over the Independence Day programme are awaited.