In an exemplary ruling, a local court in Ahmedabad today sentenced two teachers of the Arjun Primary School in Makarba to three years in jail for recklessly beating up a five-year-old student who sought their permission to drink water and visit the toilet.
Justice T.A. Bhadja cancelled the bail of both Taruna Parbatiya (36) and Najma Shaikh (47) and ordered them to be taken into judicial custody.
The complaint against the teachers was filed at Sarkhej police station on June 22, 2017, when a kindergarten student complained to his mother about the beatings he received from the duo.
He revealed that the teachers held his legs, beat him and pinched him and even gagged him. The child had shown his mother the bruises on his thighs, after which he was sent to VS Hospital for treatment.
The child’s father was the only eyewitness to the beating after reaching school a few minutes early to pick up his son. However, he did not fully witness the torture described by the child.
The child reiterated that he was not allowed to drink water, go to the toilet, or even have his breakfast. The police had charged the teacher duo with causing hurt under Section 323 of IPC and violations under the Juvenile Justice Act and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act. The teachers denied the charges and faced trial.
On Tuesday, the Ahmedabad court held them guilty and sentenced them to six months in jail with a fine of Rs 400 under IPC provisions. In addition, they received three-year sentences and Rs 10,000 fines under the Juvenile Justice Act.
The court also ordered the concerned authorities to seek disciplinary action against both teachers under provisions of the RTE Act and has sought a report in 20 days. Justice T.A. Bhadja cancelled the bail of both Taruna Parbatiya (36) and Najma Shaikh (47) and ordered them to be taken into judicial custody.
