Authorities in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district have suspended a government school teacher following allegations that she physically assaulted dozens of students for not touching her feet after the morning assembly.
The teacher, Sukanti Kar, who was serving as an assistant teacher at Khandadeula Government Upper Primary School in Betnoti block, was suspended after an internal inquiry by education officials confirmed the allegations.
The alleged incident took place on Friday when students from Classes 6 to 8 returned to their classrooms following the school’s morning prayers. According to local sources, Kar entered the classrooms and physically punished at least 31 students for not performing the traditional gesture of touching her feet, a practice not mandated in schools.
The situation escalated when reports of the incident reached the parents, prompting several of them to arrive at the school and demand immediate action. A school management committee inquiry later revealed that one male student suffered a broken hand, while a female student reportedly fainted and required hospitalization.
In response, an inquiry was launched by officials from the local education department. The investigation team, which included the headmaster, the Block Education Officer, and members of the School Management Committee, interviewed the students and concluded that the teacher’s actions were unjustified. Based on the findings, disciplinary action was taken, and the teacher was formally suspended pending further proceedings.
