Hyderabad: In a shocking case of alleged institutional violence, a Class 7 student of a government high school in the city was reportedly assaulted by senior students on the direct instructions of the school principal, triggering outrage among parents, activists and education authorities. The incident occurred at the Government High School in Kompally, where the headmaster, who is also serving as the in-charge Mandal Education Officer (MEO) of Dundigal, is accused of ordering corporal punishment in blatant violation of child protection laws.
The victim, identified as Phanindra Surya, suffered injuries after being beaten by a group of Class 10 students using a stick. He is currently undergoing medical treatment, while the police have registered a case under provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Dispute over cycle stand leads to violence
According to preliminary information shared by the police and the victim’s family, the incident stemmed from a minor dispute related to alleged theft of bicycle parts and the deflating of tyres at the school’s cycle stand. On Monday, a teacher named Madhu reportedly sent Surya to the cycle stand to inspect the bicycles, as there had been repeated complaints about tampering.
While the boy was checking the area, another teacher, Chary, allegedly spotted him near the cycles and assumed that Surya was responsible for the mischief. Without verifying the facts or conducting any preliminary enquiry, the teacher apprehended the child and took him to the headmaster’s office.
Principal’s alleged role under scrutiny
Instead of following due process or counselling the student, headmaster Krishna allegedly took a drastic and illegal step. Police said that the principal summoned a group of nine Class 10 students and ordered them to assault the Class 7 boy as a form of punishment. Acting on these instructions, the senior students allegedly struck Surya on his back with a stick inside the school premises.
The fact that the accused principal also holds the additional responsibility of in-charge Mandal Education Officer has intensified criticism. The role of an MEO includes safeguarding students’ welfare and ensuring compliance with education laws, including the absolute prohibition of corporal punishment.
Child hospitalised, parents lodge complaint
After returning home, Surya reportedly complained of severe pain and narrated the incident to his parents. His father, Shiva Ramakrishna, noticed visible injury marks on the boy’s body and immediately shifted him to a hospital. Doctors confirmed that the injuries were consistent with physical assault, and the child was admitted for treatment.
Following this, the family approached the police and lodged a formal complaint. Based on the complaint, the Pet Basheerbagh police registered a case and launched an investigation into the roles of the principal and the two teachers involved.
Police inspector K Vijaya Vardhan confirmed that sections of the Juvenile Justice Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to causing injury have been invoked. Statements of the victim, his parents and witnesses are being recorded.
Investigation and official response
Education department officials have taken note of the incident and sought a preliminary report. Sources said that departmental action, including suspension, may be considered against the headmaster pending the outcome of the investigation.
Officials are also examining whether there have been earlier complaints against the principal or staff members regarding similar practices. The involvement of senior students in carrying out physical punishment on a junior student has raised serious concerns about the culture of discipline and supervision within the school.
Violation of child rights and education laws
Child rights activists and advocacy groups have strongly condemned the incident, calling it a gross violation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which strictly prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment of children in schools. They have also pointed out that corporal punishment is banned under multiple legal frameworks, including Supreme Court guidelines.
Activists said that forcing senior students to beat a younger child amounts not only to physical abuse but also to psychological trauma for all children involved. “This is a classic example of abuse of authority and misuse of power within an educational institution,” an activist said, demanding strict action.
Parents, activists demand suspension
Parents and local activists staged protests and demanded the immediate suspension of the accused principal from both his roles as headmaster and Mandal Education Officer. They argued that allowing such an official to continue in office would send a wrong message and undermine trust in the public education system.
Several parents expressed fear about the safety of their children in government schools if such incidents go unchecked. They also urged the state government to introduce stronger monitoring mechanisms and mandatory sensitisation programmes for teachers and administrators.
Conclusion
The alleged assault of a Class 7 student at a government school has once again brought the issue of corporal punishment and accountability in educational institutions into sharp focus. As the police investigation and departmental enquiry progress, the case is expected to test the state’s commitment to enforcing child protection laws and ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for learning rather than centres of fear and violence.