Vinod Tawde meets girl told to do 500 sit-ups

Mumbai: A 13-year-old student from Kolhapur, who was made to do 500 sit-ups for not completing her project work, has been admitted to the civic-run KEM Hospital in the city, for further treatment. Earlier, she was admitted to a privately run hospital in Kolhapur. State education minister Vinod Tawde visited her on Saturday at KEM hospital.

The girl, Vijaya Chaugale, is currently under observation and is receiving treatment from a team of physicians. “I am unable to walk without support as I get tremors in my right leg,” said Vijaya Chaugale.

When asked about the girl’s complaint regarding the tremors in her right leg after she was punished, KEM Hospital’s dean, Dr Avinash Supe, said, “We are evaluating the case and have conducted various tests, for which the reports are pending. After getting the reports, we will be able to comment. Currently, she is fit, responding well with the treatments and is recuperating.”

Recalling the horrors of the punishment, Mr Chaugale said, “That day, I was not carrying my project and was punished by the principal to do 500 sit-ups. However, I could only manage to do 300, following which I fainted and have no recollection of what happened next.”

Promising prompt action against the principal of Ms Chaugale’s principal, Mr Tawde said, “She has been remanded police custody for 14 days as per the Chandgad court’s directives. This should be taken as a warning against ill-doers and a message that the well-being of the student will always be a priority of the government and that the state will not tolerate any capital punishment against the students.”

The incident took place at Bhavesuri Sandesh Vidhyalaya, in Kanur village, Chandgad taluka of Kolhapur. On November 24, Ms Chaugule was punished by the school principal for not bringing her project.