A government school teacher in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district has been suspended after thrashing 31 students for not touching her feet.
The incident occurred on Friday at the Khandadeula Government Upper Primary School in Betnoti block, Pratimadeipur cluster. Soon after the morning prayer session, teacher Sukanti Kar allegedly entered Classes 6, 7 and 8 and beat the children with a bamboo stick for failing to pay her the traditional gesture of respect.
Several students sustained injuries. One boy reportedly suffered a hand fracture, while a girl fainted and had to be taken to hospital. Shocked parents rushed to the school, demanding strict action.
Following their complaint, an inquiry was carried out by Block Education Officer Biplab Kar, Headmaster Purnachandra Ojha, CRCC Debashish Sahu, and the School Management Committee. Based on the report, education department officials suspended Sukanti Kar.
“We have made it clear that corporal punishment is banned in schools. Steps will be taken to ensure such incidents are not repeated elsewhere,” an Education Department official said.
