Primary School Head’s Brutal Punishment Leaves Child with Severe Eye Injury, Risking Permanent Blindness
Lone Sulaiman
Bandipora, 4 Oct. 2024: The headmaster of Government Primary School in Koli Mohallah, located in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, is facing serious allegations of physically assaulting a student. The incident, reportedly involving a male student, allegedly took place in the classroom on November 4.
A formal complaint has been lodged with the Station House Officer (SHO) at Pethkoot and the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Bandipora, urging an investigation into the headmaster’s conduct. According to the complaint, the headmaster has a history of similar behavior, often resorting to physical discipline with students.
Parents of the affected students have expressed grave concerns. Reyaz Lone, the father of the injured child, recounted his son’s account of the incident, stating, “The headmaster struck me with a stick, hitting near my eye. When I told him it hurt, he instructed me to tell my family that the injury happened because I fell in the washroom.” This allegation has intensified parents’ worries regarding the headmaster’s approach to handling students.
Murtaza Baba, another concerned parent, stated, “My children study at this school, and we’ve received several complaints. My kids have told us that Nisar Sheikh doesn’t teach properly and is often occupied with his own business.” He further alleged that educators like this headmaster are jeopardizing their children’s future, urging authorities to take swift and appropriate action.
The headmaster reportedly manages a fish farm adjacent to the school and serves as a Prasar Bharati reporter from Bandipora, raising further questions about his commitment to his educational responsibilities.
In response to these serious allegations, District Commissioner (DC) Bandipora and Chief Education Officer (CEO) Bandipora have assured that a committee will be convened to thoroughly investigate the matter. “We will look into all aspects of the case to ensure accountability and justice for the students,” they stated.
The local police have registered a First Information Report (FIR No. 63/2024) under sections 115(2) and 351(2) of the Bandipora Nodal Statutes (BNS), underscoring the severity of the incident. Parents are urging a fair and impartial inquiry by the district administration and police to protect student safety within the educational institution.
