A tragic incident unfolded as a young girl passed away following an alleged punishment of 100 sit-ups by her teacher for being late to class. The 12-year-old student, hailing from Maharashtra, India, was reportedly made to wear her schoolbag during the punishment, leading to severe discomfort. The distressing event took place on November 8 and involved other tardy students, sparking outrage within the community.
Identified as Kajal Gond, a sixth-grader at a school in Vasai, she began experiencing intense back pain after enduring the punitive exercise with her heavy schoolbag. Her condition deteriorated at home, necessitating hospitalization first in Nalasopara and then a transfer to Mumbai’s JJ Hospital, where she tragically passed away during treatment. Family members attribute her declining health directly to the punishment imposed.
Her father, Sunil Gond, shared, “She was crying in pain and kept saying she could not move her back. No child should be treated in such a manner for being late.” Outraged residents and parents are demanding stringent action against the teacher and school authorities. Community activist Meena Patil condemned the incident, emphasizing that education should not entail suffering but rather learning.
In response, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a regional political party, has issued a warning that the school will not reopen until legal charges are pressed. MNS spokesperson Rajesh Kadam stressed the need for justice and accountability. Simultaneously, advocates for education are advocating for enhanced enforcement of child protection laws and improved teacher training to prevent such tragedies in the future.