Five-Year-Old UKG Student Dies at Visakhapatnam School After Teacher Allegedly Slaps Him Over Homework

A five-year-old UKG student died after collapsing inside his classroom at a private school in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on Thursday. The child's parents have alleged that a teacher slapped him after he failed to complete his homework.

The student, T Pranay Tej, was studying at a private school in the Town Kotharoad area under the limits of One-Town police station. He was the son of Krishna Prasad, who works as a cook, and homemaker Sai Lakshmi.

Parents Allege Teacher Slapped Child

According to Pranay's parents, the child was reluctant to go to school on Thursday morning because he had not completed some of his homework. Although he eventually went to school, his parents said he appeared unusually dull and was unwilling to participate in classroom activities.

The family has alleged that CCTV footage from the classroom showed the teacher checking students' homework individually. When Pranay reportedly showed an empty slate, the teacher allegedly pulled him towards her, unbuttoned his shirt and slapped him.

The child subsequently collapsed inside the classroom.

The allegations have not yet been independently established, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Child Declared Dead at King George Hospital

Pranay was taken to King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam, where doctors declared him dead.

The incident reportedly occurred around 11 am, while the parents said they were informed by the school only around 12.50 pm.

Following the incident, relatives gathered outside the school and hospital, demanding action against the teacher and school management.

Police to Examine CCTV Footage

Police said a case would be registered based on the complaint filed by the child's parents. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and other available evidence to determine what happened inside the classroom.

The exact cause of death will be established after the post-mortem examination, police said.

District Educational Officer Prem Kumar and One-Town Inspector Vara Prasad visited the school and assessed the situation. The DEO said a preliminary report had been submitted to the government and further action would follow.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Assures Action

Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed shock over the death and said action would be taken against those found responsible, including the school management.

He also assured the bereaved family of government support.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over child safety in schools, corporal punishment and the treatment of young children in educational institutions. The police investigation and post-mortem report are expected to establish the circumstances and cause of the five-year-old student's death.