13-year-old beaten by teachers in Odisha’s Sambalpur for post-exam celebration

A 13-year-old Class VII student of a private residential school in Sindurpank, on the outskirts of Sambalpur City, was subjected to corporal punishment, resulting in injuries and scars on his body. An FIR was lodged in this regard with the victim’s father naming two teachers in his complaint.

According to reports, the incident took place in the school’s hostel, where the student was residing. On March 19, following the completion of his annual exams, the boy and a few of his friends resorted to celebrating by writing each other’s names on their uniforms using ink pens.

Punishment For Celebration:

The incident reportedly enraged two teachers present in the hostel, who then proceeded to allegedly thrash him. Visuals obtained by OTV showed severe welts and cane marks on the boy’s back.

Upon getting notice of the incident, the parents of the victim lodged a complaint at the Sadar Police Station, and a case was registered. Accordingly, police have issued notices to the two teachers involved in the incident but did not provide any additional comments on the matter.

Till the last reports came in, a probe into the matter was ongoing.

Orissa HC's Directives:

It is worth noting that the matter comes close after the Orissa High Court, earlier this month, imposed a 'fine' of Rs 1 lakh on a teacher for imparting corporal punishment that resulted in the death of a student.

The top court acknowledged that the treatment meted out to the child was unfair and not in line with the guidelines of a modern country. In its observations, the court ordered the teacher to pay the entire ex-gratia amount out of their own pocket.