Serious allegations of physical and mental abuse of students have surfaced at St. Martin’s School in Jatakheda village, triggering protests by parents and local organisations and prompting swift action by the district administration.
According to complaints lodged by parents, students who failed to complete homework were allegedly subjected to degrading punishment, including being made to stand partially unclothed in cold weather. Photographs purportedly showing the students circulated on social media on Friday, drawing widespread attention and outrage.
Parents alleged that children were forced to perform menial tasks such as cleaning the school premises, sweeping, watering plants, and picking stones, and were beaten or threatened if they made mistakes. Some students reportedly told parents and local representatives that the alleged abuse had been ongoing since November.
Students’ Statements Under Probe
Seventh-grade students, during interactions with parents and local representatives, alleged that a school guard identified as Amar Singh Verma physically assaulted them and threatened them with punishment. They further alleged that these actions were carried out on the instructions of Principal Samreen Khan. The school driver, Shibu Jafri, was also accused of assaulting students and threatening to deduct marks from their academic projects.
Additional allegations included restrictions on students’ personal religious practices, which further fuelled anger among parents and community groups.
Protests and Administrative Response
Following the emergence of the allegations, parents, accompanied by members of local organisations, gathered at the school premises on Friday and staged a protest. Slogans were raised, prompting the deployment of police personnel from Mandi police station, along with revenue and education officials, to maintain law and order.
District Education Officer S.S. Tomar visited the school and conducted a preliminary inquiry, during which students were questioned individually. Officials said the inquiry found the allegations to be prima facie substantiated.
Staff Removed, School Fined
Based on the findings, the district administration ordered the immediate dismissal of the school’s principal, the guard, and the driver. The school management was also fined ₹1 lakh and directed to deposit the amount within seven days.
CSP Abhinandana Sharma confirmed that a formal complaint has been received and said legal action will follow after completion of the police investigation.
The incident has raised serious concerns about student safety, disciplinary practices, and oversight in private schools, with parents demanding stricter monitoring to prevent such incidents in the future
Sehore School Under Scanner Over Alleged Abuse of Students; Principal, Staff Dismissed
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