Autistic Student Allegedly Assaulted, FIR Filed
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According to a TOI report, a private school teacher responsible for guiding specially-abled students was arrested on Saturday after a video surfaced on WhatsApp, showing him physically assaulting a 10-year-old autistic student.
The incident took place at Green Ribbon International School in Noida’s Sector 55. The FIR names not just the teacher but also the principal and vice-principal after the child’s parents lodged a complaint.
The boy’s mother stated that the assault occurred on Wednesday. She emphasized that her son requires extra care due to his autism and was subjected to inhumane treatment.
Mother’s Statement“My son, a child with special needs, needs care and empathy. Instead, the special educator, Anil Kumar, mercilessly thrashed him.”
She further revealed that the incident came to light only after the video was shared in the school’s parent WhatsApp group. “Had it not been for the video, I wouldn’t have known. It clearly shows the teacher repeatedly hitting my child,” she added.
Principal’s ResponseSchool principal Pankaj Sharma confirmed disciplinary action, stating, “Anil Kumar has been suspended and handed over to the police. We are fully cooperating with the investigation.”
The basic education department has also intervened, vowing to examine the circumstances and issue a notice to the school.
Official InvestigationDistrict officer for Empowerment of Divyangjan, Ashish Kumar Singh, stated that an inquiry would determine if Anil Kumar possessed the necessary qualifications from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), which is mandatory for special educators.
The FIR names Anil Kumar, principal Pankaj Sharma, vice-principal Sonika Dubey, and another staff member under various IPC sections and provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Allegations of Alcohol UseThe FIR also alleges that Kumar frequently came to school intoxicated. “The school management admitted that the teacher drank excessively and at times reported to work inebriated,” the complaint stated.
Police confirmed that Kumar is in custody, and further investigation is underway. Authorities will also probe the school’s policies for children with special needs.
