Parents of a 12-year-old boy have petitioned the Collector at the grievance meeting on Monday seeking action against a teacher who allegedly slapped the boy hard on the left ear leading to hearing impairment. The incident happened on November 7 and the boy had been undergoing treatment at the government hospital in Ramanathapuram.
According to the petition submitted to the Collector by the boy’s father, Paramasivam, the teacher, identified as Gunarathinam, had slapped him after a few students complained to him. The boy, Esakkimuthu, a Class VII student at the school in Puduvalasai, was apparently trying to protect a relative from being attacked by other students of the school on the school premises.
Irked over Esakkimuthu’s attempt to save his relative, the students had reportedly lodged a complaint with the teacher, Gunarathinam, who allegedly slapped Esakkimuthu on his cheek. The boy’s left ear started bleeding in the impact and he fainted. A woman teacher reportedly helped him come back to senses and sent him back home.
Still fearful of the attack, Esakkimuthu refused to go to school next day and informed his parents when he could not bear the pain. He was rushed to a primary health centre in Therpoki Village from where he was referred to the government headquarters hospital. His father also sought help from Sathaiah, district secretary, Samakalvi Eyakkam-TN.
Collector Nantha Kumar said that the Chief Education officer and Joint Director of Health have been directed to conduct an inquiry with the teacher and the school students. Action would be taken against the teacher if he was found to be guilty, he added.