Hyderabad Teacher Thrashes Young Student
Hyderabad Teacher Thrashes Young Student in Classroom Assault
Introduction
The classroom is expected to be a safe space where children learn, grow, and build confidence under the guidance of teachers. However, an incident in Hyderabad has raised alarming questions about safety and discipline inside schools. On August 13, 2024, a 6-year-old boy studying in Class I at The Model City School, Gautampuri Colony, Erragadda was allegedly thrashed by his teacher over a minor issue.
The shocking case has not only disturbed parents and education activists but has also triggered discussions about corporal punishment, teacher accountability, and child protection in India’s schools. While an FIR has been filed by Borabanda Police, legal action against the teacher is still pending as the chargesheet is yet to be submitted in court.
Details of the Incident
According to the complaint filed with the Borabanda Police Station, the victim has been identified as Mohammed Riyaan Khan, a Class I student. His father, Mohammed Aamir Khan, alleged that the teacher, identified as Tabassum, physically assaulted his son inside the classroom.
The complaint highlights that the reason behind the thrashing was shockingly trivial. When the teacher asked Riyaan to bring out his Mathematics book, the child mistakenly took out another subject book. This seemingly minor mistake led to a harsh and violent reaction.
The complaint further mentions:
“For such a minor reason, my son was beaten very badly, causing him severe pain and emotional distress.”
The father’s statement reflects not only the physical harm but also the psychological trauma inflicted on a child who is barely six years old.
Impact on the Child and Family
After the incident, young Riyaan reportedly became extremely fearful of attending school. His father revealed that the boy trembles at the very mention of the school’s name. The trauma was so deep that it began to affect his younger sister, a UKG student in the same school, who too started developing fear and anxiety.
On August 18, five days after the assault, Riyaan’s father personally visited the school to submit a leave application for both his children. The letter addressed to Principal Mumtaz Sultana mentioned that the child was deeply disturbed and emotionally scarred by the assault. It further added that the younger sibling was also frightened after seeing her brother’s condition.
This development highlights how a single act of aggression inside a classroom can have long-lasting emotional repercussions not just for the victim, but also for siblings and family members.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Following the complaint, police swiftly registered a case on the same day of the incident (August 13). The FIR was lodged under:
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Section 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
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Section 82 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 (JJA)
According to Sub-Inspector S. Swapna of Borabanda Police Station, the investigation is underway and the chargesheet will be submitted in court soon. Once this step is completed, legal action against the accused teacher is expected.
As of now, the teacher has not been suspended by the school, and officials have maintained silence on the matter. When reporters attempted to contact the school management for a response, no one was available to comment.
Corporal Punishment in Indian Schools
The Hyderabad case has reignited a larger debate on corporal punishment in schools. Despite repeated government directives and awareness campaigns, physical punishment continues to be reported across India.
What the Law Says
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The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) 2009 strictly prohibits corporal punishment.
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The Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 criminalizes cruelty against children.
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Schools are required to maintain child protection committees and grievance mechanisms.
However, despite legal safeguards, enforcement remains weak in many cases. Teachers often resort to physical punishment as a disciplinary measure, ignoring the psychological harm it causes.
Past Incidents
India has witnessed several similar shocking cases:
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In 2023, a boy in Uttar Pradesh died after being allegedly beaten by his teacher for not completing homework.
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In Kerala, a student attempted suicide after repeated corporal punishments.
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In Delhi, parents staged protests after videos surfaced of teachers hitting students inside classrooms.
These incidents collectively highlight a troubling pattern—corporal punishment continues despite being illegal, raising urgent questions about monitoring and accountability.
Voices of Parents and Child Rights Activists
Parents and activists in Hyderabad have expressed strong outrage over the latest case. Many have called for strict action against the teacher and accountability from the school management.
Child rights organizations argue that incidents like these should not be seen as isolated cases but as indicators of systemic failure. According to them, schools need stronger monitoring mechanisms, teacher training in non-violent discipline methods, and accessible complaint systems for children and parents.
Activists further stress that corporal punishment is not just a disciplinary issue but a human rights violation. The trauma inflicted on children can last for years, affecting their confidence, academic performance, and trust in teachers.
Role of Schools in Ensuring Safety
Schools are not just centers of academic learning but also environments where children’s personalities and mental well-being are shaped. When teachers resort to violence, they betray the trust that parents place in them.
The Model City School’s silence on the matter has raised further criticism. Education experts suggest that schools should:
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Suspend teachers under investigation pending legal outcomes.
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Provide counseling to affected students and their families.
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Organize awareness workshops for teachers on positive discipline.
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Establish child safety committees with parent representation.
Unless schools adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards corporal punishment, such incidents may continue.
Psychological Consequences of Classroom Violence
Psychologists warn that children subjected to physical punishment at a young age often develop:
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Anxiety and fear disorders
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Lower self-esteem
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Distrust towards authority figures
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Academic disengagement
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Aggressive or withdrawn behavior
In Riyaan’s case, the fear was so severe that it spread to his sibling. This ripple effect shows how classroom violence does not remain confined to one child but can affect the broader emotional ecosystem of families and peer groups.
Public Reaction on Social Media
The incident came to light primarily through social media, where details of the complaint were shared and widely circulated. Outrage poured in from parents, local residents, and activists who demanded strict legal action. Many questioned why, in 2024, corporal punishment continues despite repeated bans.
Some netizens shared personal stories of facing similar treatment in schools, while others emphasized the need for systemic reforms to protect students from abusive practices.
Future Steps: What Needs to Change
The Hyderabad case is a reminder that laws alone are not enough; implementation and accountability are crucial. Experts recommend:
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Regular Teacher Training: Focus on non-violent disciplinary practices.
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Counseling Support: Every school must have in-house child counselors.
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Stricter Enforcement: Schools should face penalties if corporal punishment is reported.
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Awareness for Parents: Empower parents to demand safe classrooms.
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Child Participation: Students should have avenues to report harassment confidentially.
By adopting these measures, schools can ensure that incidents like the one in Hyderabad do not repeat themselves.
Conclusion
The alleged thrashing of a 6-year-old student by his teacher at Model City School in Hyderabad is not just a single shocking event—it is a reflection of deeper problems within the education system. While police have registered a case and action against the teacher is expected soon, the incident highlights the urgent need for schools, teachers, parents, and policymakers to work together to eliminate corporal punishment.
For young Riyaan and countless other children, the classroom should be a space of curiosity, joy, and growth—not a place of fear and violence.