SRINAGAR: A government higher secondary school in the Bani area of Kathua district, finds itself at the center of a growing controversy after a class 10 student was allegedly subjected to corporal punishment by the school’s principal and a teacher. The incident unfolded when the student reportedly inscribed “Jai Shri Ram” on the classroom blackboard.
According to local authorities, the incident transpired on August 25, resulting in the student being admitted to a government hospital due to sustained bruises and internal injuries. The accused individuals have been identified as the school’s principal, Mohammad Hafiz, and lecturer, Farooq Ahmed. An FIR has been registered against them under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Juvenile Justice Act.
Reports reveal that the student had written the religious slogan on the blackboard, which led to a violent response from the Urdu teacher, Farooq Ahmed. The teacher purportedly assaulted the student in front of his classmates before bringing him to the principal’s office. Allegedly, both accused locked the room and continued to physically assault the student, even issuing threats of dire consequences if the act was repeated.
As news of the incident spread, public outrage prompted protests within the Bani town, urging swift and severe action against the accused individuals. The situation escalated to the point that District Development Council members, sarpanches, and students joined the demonstrations, demanding justice for the student, reports appearing in the media said.
In response to the mounting tensions, Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas established a three-member committee to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter. This committee, led by the Bani sub-divisional magistrate, will also include representatives from the education department and the school in question. The committee’s findings are expected to be submitted within the next two days.
