A 13-year-old girl from Vasai tehsil in Maharashtra’s Palghar district died last week after she was allegedly forced to perform 100 sit-ups as punishment for arriving late to school. The incident has triggered outrage among parents, local political groups, and child rights activists, sparking fresh debate over corporal punishment in educational institutions
Anshika Gaud, a Class 7 student of Shree Hanumant Vidya Mandir High School in Sativali, Vasai, had reached school late on Friday — a day that also happened to be observed as Children’s Day. According to her family, the teacher instructed her to perform 100 sit-ups while wearing her school bag. Soon after completing the punishment, Anshika reportedly complained of intense pain in her lower back and neck
Severe pain followed by hospitalisation
Once Anshika returned home, her discomfort worsened. Her family members said she struggled to stand up or move without pain. Alarmed by her deteriorating condition, the family admitted her to a local hospital in Nalasopara.
However, as her health continued to decline, she was referred to Sir JJ Hospital in Mumbai for advanced medical attention. Despite efforts by the medical staff, Anshika passed away during treatment.
“After the punishment, she experienced severe pain in her neck and back, and could not get up,” the family told reporters.
The incident has left parents in the locality shaken, with many expressing fear and anger over what they describe as an avoidable tragedy stemming from an outdated disciplinary practice.
Police register accidental death repor
Following the death, the Waliv police station registered an accidental death report (ADR). Officers confirmed that preliminary statements have been recorded and that further action will depend on the post-mortem findings. Police officials said the post-mortem report is awaited, and only after receiving detailed medical observations will they determine the next course of investigation.
Authorities initiate inquiry
Block Education Officer Pandurang Galange stated that an inquiry has been initiated into the circumstances leading to Anshika’s death. The preliminary probe will examine whether any teacher or school authority violated guidelines regarding student discipline.
He added that educational authorities are coordinating with police officials to ensure that the investigation is thorough and unbiased.
The school, meanwhile, has not issued a detailed public statement. Parents and local residents said they expect accountability from the management and strict action against those responsible.
Political groups protest, demand action
Local workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) staged protests outside the school premises over the weekend. Protestors demanded immediate suspension of the teachers involved and legal action against the school administration.
Community members also gathered outside the school to express solidarity with the family, urging authorities to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Several child rights activists have condemned the incident, reiterating that corporal punishment is banned in schools and calling upon the state government to reissue strict guidelines and conduct sensitisation programmes for teachers.
Concerns over corporal punishment resurface
The tragedy has once again brought the issue of corporal punishment to the forefront. Despite repeated directives from the central and state governments, reports of harsh disciplinary measures continue to surface from various parts of the country.
Parents in the locality say they are now worried about the safety and well-being of their children in school. Many expressed the need for counselling, behavioural training for teachers, and stricter enforcement of existing laws meant to protect students.
Child psychologists emphasise that punitive physical exercises, especially in young adolescents, can cause injury, long-term psychological harm, and in rare cases — such as this one — life-threatening complications.
Conclusion
The death of 13-year-old Anshika Gaud has cast a spotlight on the urgent need to eliminate corporal punishment from schools and enforce child safety protocols rigorously. As the investigation proceeds and the post-mortem report is awaited, parents and activists are calling for accountability, systemic reforms, and better training for educators to ensure that no child suffers such a fate again.