A six-year-old boy has collapsed and died after a teacher allegedly slapped him for not finishing his homework at a private school in Andhra Pradesh, India. The alleged incident was captured on CCTV footage now being examined by police.
CCTV Footage Shows Incident
The child, a student in the lower kindergarten class, is said to have become frightened, started crying and coughing, and then collapsed while at school, according to his family. CCTV footage obtained by investigators shows the boy screaming and waving his hands, apparently pleading with the teacher. The footage then shows the teacher changing the boy's trousers and shirt before slapping him. Moments later, the child falls into the teacher's lap. The boy does not respond when the teacher appears to try to lift him while remaining seated.
Police Investigation and Family Response
Police have launched an investigation and confirmed they are examining the CCTV recording as part of their inquiry, according to local reporters. Officers are questioning school staff and witnesses and gathering further evidence to establish exactly what happened. The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed, as the post-mortem report is still pending. The family, however, insists the tragedy followed the alleged assault by the female teacher.
The boy's father said he was never contacted by the school about the incident and instead learned what had happened from local cooks employed at his brother-in-law's house. He also denied that his son had been unwell before he was sent to school that day. The family have demanded strict action against both the teacher and the school management, saying their son was pronounced dead by the time he reached hospital.
Government and Legal Action
Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Human Resources Development, Nara Lokesh, described the boy's death as "heartbreaking" and met with the grieving parents. "We are taking legal action against the culprits and the school management. Stay strong. The loss you have suffered is irreplaceable by anyone. Our government will stand by you in every possible way," Lokesh stated. A formal police complaint has been registered under Section 194 of India's criminal code, which deals with causing hurt through rash or negligent acts. As of now, investigations are ongoing in this tragic incident.
