A school teacher in Vasai, Palghar district of Maharashtra, has been arrested after a 13-year-old student died reportedly due to corporal punishment for reaching school just ten minutes late.
According to the complaint, the teacher allegedly ordered Kajal Gaur, a Class 6 student, to perform 100 sit-ups with her schoolbag on her back as punishment for arriving late to school. The girl fell seriously ill afterward and died a few days later. A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered against the teacher.
What Happened?
The incident took place on November 8 at Shree Hanumant Vidya Mandir in Sativali, Vasai-Virar. On that day, around 50 students arrived late to school, including Kajal. The teacher reportedly punished all of them by making them do repeated sit-ups while carrying their backpacks.
Police officials stated that the girl already had poor health, which made it difficult for her to endure the physical punishment.
Student Was Hospitalized for 7 Days
The girl’s mother told the media that Kajal returned home feeling unwell after the punishment. She was first admitted to a hospital in Vasai and later shifted to Mumbai’s J.J. Hospital when her condition worsened. Despite treatment, she died after a week.
Preliminary post-mortem reports revealed that Kajal was suffering from anemia, which may have contributed to her deteriorating condition. The Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the case.
