Teacher thrashes students for poor show in class test
BENGALURU: An English teacher at a government school in the city allegedly beat up Class 10 students after they failed to do well in a class test. One girl student had to visit the doctor for swelling in the hands. Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has filed a case in this connection and issued notice to the teacher.
Kantharaj allegedly caned six of his Class 10 students on Tuesday. The incident came to light after parents approached the school headmaster and complained to him about the caning. Students say the incident took place on Tuesday and Kantharaj was absent from school on Wednesday.
Students told Express, “Most of us in the class did not fare well in the test. This infuriated our sir and he started beating us using a cane. While caning six of us, he said he would punish the entire class, including students from another section.”
The Block Education Officer (BEO) has ordered an inquiry and directed the headmaster to submit a detailed report.
However, when contacted, Kantharaj denied the allegations. He said, “I was upset as they were not performing. We work for better results of the students and the school and it hurts when our efforts go in vain. But the allegation of beating the children is false. I did not hit any of them.”
“One girl complained of swollen hand after she accidentally hit the desk. It was I who sent her to the doctor. I did not punish any student.”
The teacher also feels political parties may be behind the issue. “There is a dispute between Congress and BJP over running the school. They may be making it an issue with vested interests,” he claimed.