Bengaluru: City police have registered a case against a school teacher and the management of Veena Educational Institution following allegations that a Class 4 student was physically assaulted over incomplete homework. The case has sparked concern among parents and educationists over student safety and disciplinary practices in private schools.
Alleged incident inside classroom
According to the complaint filed by the child’s mother, Lakshmi, the incident occurred on January 10 at Veena School located in Nandini Layout. The accused teacher, identified as Anglina, allegedly assaulted the 10-year-old boy during school hours after he failed to complete his homework.
The complaint states that the teacher struck the child repeatedly on his hands, legs and fingers, causing visible injuries. The boy reportedly returned home without informing his family about the incident due to fear.
Lakshmi alleged that the teacher threatened the child with further physical assault if he disclosed the incident to anyone at home. This intimidation, she said, caused the boy to initially remain silent despite being in pain.
Injuries noticed by parent
The matter came to light only after Lakshmi noticed bruises and marks on her son’s body. Upon questioning him persistently, the child reportedly broke down and narrated the incident in detail, explaining how he had been punished and warned not to speak about it.
Disturbed by her son’s account and the injuries he had sustained, Lakshmi approached the Nandini Layout Police Station and lodged a formal complaint against the teacher and the school management.
Police officials said the complaint was taken seriously given the age of the child and the nature of the allegations.
FIR registered under BNS and JJ Act
Based on the complaint, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against teacher Anglina and Veena Educational Institution under Sections 115 and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In addition, provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act were also invoked.
Police officials explained that these sections relate to causing hurt, criminal intimidation and offences concerning the safety, dignity and protection of minors, particularly in educational settings.
“The law is very clear when it comes to corporal punishment and threats against children. Such acts are punishable, especially when they occur within schools, which are meant to be safe spaces,” a senior police officer said.
School suspends teacher
Following the registration of the case, the management of Veena Educational Institution placed the accused teacher under suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. School authorities reportedly informed police that the suspension was a precautionary step and that they would cooperate fully with the probe.
However, the child’s mother alleged that the school’s response was inadequate and came only after police intervention. She claimed that when she initially raised the issue with school staff, some members verbally mistreated her and attempted to downplay the seriousness of the incident.
Lakshmi stated that she was made to feel uncomfortable for questioning the actions of the teacher and for approaching the authorities.
Allegations against school management
In her complaint, Lakshmi also raised concerns about the attitude of the school management towards her grievance. She alleged that instead of addressing the issue promptly, certain staff members tried to minimise the incident and discouraged her from pursuing the matter further.
She said such behaviour reflects a larger problem where parents are pressured into silence and incidents of corporal punishment go unreported.
“Schools should protect children, not intimidate parents when something goes wrong,” she said, urging authorities to take strict action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Police investigation underway
Police officials said a detailed investigation is underway. This includes recording statements from the child, his parents, classmates, teachers and other staff members who may have witnessed or have knowledge of the incident.
Investigators are also in the process of collecting physical evidence, including medical reports documenting the child’s injuries. CCTV footage from the school premises, if available, will also be examined to verify the sequence of events.
Police said the role of the school management will be examined to determine whether there was negligence or failure to follow child protection norms mandated by law.
Growing concern over corporal punishment
The case has once again brought attention to the issue of corporal punishment in schools, which is prohibited under Indian law. Education activists have repeatedly stressed that physical or mental harassment of students can have long-lasting psychological effects, particularly on young children.
Under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act and the Juvenile Justice Act, corporal punishment and mental harassment are strictly banned, and schools are required to adopt child-friendly disciplinary methods.
Despite these legal safeguards, incidents continue to surface, raising questions about enforcement and awareness among educators.
Conclusion
The registration of a case against a teacher and a school management in Bengaluru underscores the seriousness with which authorities are now treating allegations of abuse against children in educational institutions. As the investigation progresses, parents and child rights advocates are calling for accountability, stricter monitoring of schools and greater sensitisation of teachers. The case serves as a reminder that discipline must never come at the cost of a child’s safety, dignity and well-being.