SHIVAMOGGA
A shocking case of physical abuse has emerged from the Morarji Desai Residential School in Anaveri, Bhadravati taluk, where a ninth-grade student, Sumanth, was allegedly subjected to a brutal assault by a computer teacher. The incident, which has left the local community outraged, has led to a formal police complaint against the educator.
According to Sumanth, the ordeal began over a minor incident involving a piece of paper. While trying to throw trash into a bin, the paper accidentally brushed against a female classmate. The girl reported the incident to the computer teacher, Teerthesh, claiming she was being bothered. Without verifying the facts or seeking an explanation, the teacher allegedly dragged Sumanth into a private room.
“He accused me of teasing her and asked if I was looking for romance at this age,” Sumanth recounted from his hospital bed at Mcgann Hospital in Shivamogga. “He beat me repeatedly with a bamboo stick and a cricket wicket, punching me in the ribs and legs. He even threatened to kill me if I told anyone.”
The victim suffered severe injuries, including blood clots and a high fever. Despite his condition, the teacher allegedly forced him to remain in the hostel for two days without proper medical attention, warning him to stay silent. Sumanth’s parents were only alerted when he managed to call them in distress. His mother, Ranjitha, expressed deep anguish, noting, “We sent him there to study, not to be treated like this. He was beaten so mercilessly he could barely sit or stand.”
The school principal, Shashikiran, has acknowledged the incident and promised an investigation, though the parents claim he was initially dismissive. This is not the first time the institution has faced scrutiny; just four months ago, authorities transferred previous staff following reports of misconduct.
The Holehonnur police have registered a case against Teerthesh. As Sumanth recovers, parents are demanding strict legal action to ensure such violence never happens again, questioning the safety of students entrusted to the care of the residential school system.
