Unable to answer question, 11-yr-old caned

Mumbai: A 11-year-old student belonging to a school run by the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) in Murdha village was beaten up by her teacher after she failed to answer a question during a maths class. The police has registered a non-cognisable complaint offence under section 323 of the Indian Penal Code on Monday night and summoned the teacher and the school headmaster. It has also sought an inquiry by the education department before deciding on the next course of action.

“We have taken statements of all concerned. As of now, a NC has been registered. However, we have duly intimated the education department to conduct a departmental inquiry into the matter and submit its report at the earliest, following which further action will be taken,” confirmed senior Police Inspector Rajendra Kamble. 

In their complaint to the police, the parents of the class 6 student said that their daughter was allegedly caned by her class teacher, Sayli Pimple for being unable to answer mathematical question. A medical test was conducted on the girl, who had visible injury, marks on her arms, at the local civic hospital. 

As per the police, the teacher has admitted in her statement that she punished the student so that she could perform better. But she also stated that she did not hit her very, as is being claimed. Despite several attempts, the administrative officer of the education wing, Suresh Deshmukh remained unavailable for comments. It should be noted that the Right to Education Act forbids corporal punishment by teachers.