Tagore International School, located on Kala Sanghian Road in Jalandhar West, has come under controversy after the parents of an eight-year-old Class 3 student alleged that a teacher subjected their daughter to harsh punishment over a minor issue related to her hairstyle.
The girl's family, alleged that the teacher punished the child for coming to school in one ponytail instead of braids. The parents further claimed that the teacher threatened the girl not to disclose the incident at home. A complaint has reportedly been submitted to the police against two teachers.
Child allegedly unable to sleep properly for two days
The girl's father, said his daughter had gone to school with one hair tie instead of the usual two. He alleged that the school neither informed the parents about the issue through the student's diary nor contacted them despite their mobile number being available on the child's identity card.
According to the family, the girl did not initially disclose what had happened at school. Two days later, she reportedly broke down in tears and narrated the incident to her parents.
The parents alleged that the teacher made the child place her hands beneath her feet and walk on her hands. The girl's mother, Aanchal, claimed that her daughter had been unable to sleep properly for two days following the alleged punishment.
Parents question school management's response
Distressed by their daughter's condition, the parents visited the school to seek an explanation. Child’s mother said the teacher had not raised any concern with them about the hairstyle before the alleged incident.
The parents claimed that the school management did not arrange a meeting with the teacher when they sought clarification. They also alleged that they were not allowed to record a video during their visit.
The family further raised questions about the principal's absence from the school. According to the parents, the management dismissed their daughter's account, claiming that the child was lying.
The parents said they had submitted a complaint to the police against two teachers.
Police acknowledge complaint, say punishment was excessive
Following discussions with the school management, the police said the student had been made to run rounds on the school ground as punishment. According to the police, the family complained that the punishment given by the teacher had been excessive.
The police also said the school management had claimed that a compromise had been reached between the parties. However, the family proceeded with submitting a complaint.
The police said they had spoken to the parents and assured them that further action would be considered after discussions with the family.
School management yet to issue an official statement
The school management has not issued an official statement on the allegations so far. The parents claimed that the school gates were closed during their visit and that the management was avoiding interaction with the media.
The allegations against the teacher have not been independently established. The school's version of events is awaited, and any response from the management will be included when available.
Team of Truescoop tried contacting the school for better information but did not a get a response.
