Students at a school in Uttar Pradesh were deprived of academic lessons on Thursday morning because their principal was too busy giving facials, but they may have learned a valuable life lesson – truth can sometimes be stranger than fiction.

Police officials said Sangeeta Singh, the principal of a primary school in Unnao district, was getting a facial when she was supposed to be teaching students. Anam Khan, an assistant teacher, got wind of the cosmetic surgery, which was done for students at Dandamau Village Primary School in Bighapur neighborhood.

To capture the headmistress’ performance, Ms Khan filmed herself walking into the cooking area and meeting Ms Singh, who appeared to be in the final stages of her beauty regimen. In the video, Ms Singh can be seen shocked and hastily getting up from her chair, while Ms Khan says “very good”.

An angry Ms Singh then chased Ms Khan, beat her and even bit her hand, causing her to bleed, according to the assistant teacher and police. The assistant teacher also posted a video of the bite mark, both of which went viral.

The block education officer has ordered an inquiry against Ms. Singh and the Bighapur police registered a case after conducting a medical examination of Ms. Khan.

Bighapur Circle officer Maya Rai said, “We received a complaint from an assistant teacher of Dandamau village school that the headmistress was doing facials at school and was beaten after being caught. We will take necessary action.”

(With inputs from Gaurav Sharma)