Bagdumar, Chhattisgarh – In a deeply disturbing case that has sent shockwaves across India, a Chhattisgarh nursery student was allegedly hit and had her mouth sealed with tape by a teacher at a private school simply for greeting others with the words “Radhe Radhe.” The incident occurred at Mother Teresa English Medium School in Bagdumar village of Surajpur district, prompting swift police action and widespread public outrage.
According to reports, the 3 year old girl had developed a habit of saying “Radhe Radhe” a devotional greeting commonly used in parts of North India as she entered school and interacted with classmates. On Monday, a female teacher reportedly became enraged at the girl’s religious greeting, physically assaulted her, and then sealed her mouth shut with adhesive tape in front of other students.
‘Radhe Radhe’ Not Allowed?
The horrifying episode came to light when the child returned home visibly shaken and unable to speak properly. Her parents, upon discovering the adhesive residue and marks on her face, confronted the school. “My daughter is just three years old. She loves to say ‘Radhe Radhe’ like we all do at home. How can a teacher beat her and seal her mouth for this?” asked the distraught mother of the Chhattisgarh nursery student, in tears.
Soon after, the parents filed a formal police complaint. Authorities from the Surajpur police station took immediate cognizance, and on Tuesday morning, school principal Suman Tirkey was detained for questioning. An FIR was registered under IPC sections related to child cruelty and wrongful restraint.
Principal Arrested, Teacher Suspended
District Education Officer confirmed that an investigation is underway and that preliminary evidence supports the family’s claims. “We have initiated action. The teacher involved has been suspended pending inquiry, and the principal has been taken into custody for allowing such inhumane treatment under her watch,” he said.
The Chhattisgarh nursery student is currently recovering at home under medical and psychological care. The district child protection unit has also stepped in to provide counseling and ensure the child’s safety and well being.
Activists Call for Overhaul in Private School Monitoring
Child rights activists and education watchdogs are calling for tougher regulation and surprise inspections in private institutions. “This is not just about one Chhattisgarh nursery student. This is a systemic issue of how private schools operate unchecked. Teachers need sensitivity training, and schools must be held accountable,” said Meera Sinha, Director of the National Child Safety Forum.
Legal experts are also urging the state government to amend guidelines for early education centers, including mandatory CCTV surveillance and grievance redressal mechanisms for children too young to speak for themselves.
School’s History Under Scrutiny
Mother Teresa English Medium School, located in a relatively remote village in Surajpur district, has had previous complaints about mismanagement and authoritarian behavior. Locals allege that the school enforces strict and often arbitrary rules, and parents are discouraged from speaking out.
While the administration had previously escaped scrutiny due to lack of formal complaints, the brutal treatment of the Chhattisgarh nursery student has reignited anger among parents and local leaders. Villagers have since staged peaceful protests outside the school gates demanding the school’s license be revoked.
Legal Path Forward and Community Healing
The arrested principal is likely to face charges under the Juvenile Justice Act and IPC provisions related to criminal intimidation and child abuse. The accused teacher, currently suspended, may also face criminal prosecution.
Meanwhile, the school has been ordered to submit all CCTV footage and internal reports of the incident to the police. If found guilty, the school management may lose its affiliation and operational license.
Local communities are organizing prayer meetings and awareness drives to show solidarity with the affected child. “We want her to know that she’s not alone,” said activist.
Wake Up Call for the Education System
This heart-wrenching story of the Chhattisgarh nursery student is not just about one child it’s a reflection of the hidden abuses that often go unreported in early education. It’s a reminder that sensitivity, empathy, and inclusivity must be the cornerstone of our schooling system.
As India processes this shock, one can only hope that this tragic incident becomes a turning point both in ensuring children’s safety and upholding their right to cultural and spiritual expression.
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