Minister Orders Probe as Kasaragod Headmaster Faces Assault Allegation

Rapid Summary

• A headmaster at Kundamkuzhi Government Higher Secondary School in Kasaragod is accused of assaulting a Class X student, allegedly causing a ruptured eardrum.
• The incident reportedly occurred on August 11 during the school assembly when the student moved a pebble wiht his foot.
• According to the boy’s mother, the headmaster publicly struck her son and held him by his collar during assembly.
• Following severe ear pain and hearing loss, doctors confirmed a ruptured eardrum, and surgery has been recommended for the 15-year-old.
• The headmaster denies physically assaulting the boy, claiming he only reprimanded him for misbehavior.
• Youth Congress workers protested outside the school demanding suspension of the headmaster. Police intervened to disperse them.
• Education Minister V. Sivankutty has ordered an inquiry into the matter through kasaragod’s Deputy Director of Education.He emphasized discipline within legal limits but condemned brutality.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This incident underscores concerns about disciplinary practices in Indian schools and their alignment with child protection policies. Public acts of punishment-or even alleged physical harm-can have lasting psychological impacts on students beyond physical injury like this reported case involving hearing loss. While accusations require fair investigation before assigning culpability, reactions from protest groups signify rising public intolerance toward corporal punishment or mistreatment in educational institutions.

The education Minister’s directive for inquiry reflects growing institutional awareness about safeguarding children’s rights under India’s legal framework (e.g., Right to Education Act). Clarity around findings will be crucial to ensuring accountability without compromising justice for any involved party-a step needed not just here but across other schools nationwide.

Read more: Published – August 19,2025 05:50 am IST