Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh – A Mathematics teacher at Mother Miriam High School on Nagjhiri Road, Ujjain, has been suspended and an First Information Report (FIR) lodged against him after a video depicting him thrashing a Class 9 student with a cane went viral across social media platforms. The incident, which reportedly occurred on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, prompted immediate action from district authorities and the school administration.

The incident gained widespread attention after the video circulated online, showing Dr. Ashok Sharma, the mathematics teacher, repeatedly striking the student with a cane. The footage captured the student crying and pleading with the teacher during the assault. The alleged reason for the thrashing was the student's purported misbehavior with a female teacher.

District Collector Ashish Singh initiated a prompt inquiry into the matter, instructing the District Education Officer (DEO) to investigate the details. Following these directives, DEO Anand Sharma established a three-member committee tasked with conducting a thorough probe and submitting a report on the incident. The committee's investigation will aim to ascertain the full sequence of events and the circumstances leading to the physical assault.

Legal action was swiftly taken against Dr. Ashok Sharma. An FIR was registered against him under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, which pertains to cruelty to a child. This legal step underscores the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the alleged violation of child protection norms.

The school management also responded to the incident. Sanjana Singh, the director of Mother Miriam High School, confirmed the suspension of Dr. Ashok Sharma. In a statement, she emphasized that such conduct is unacceptable within the school environment. Singh affirmed the school's commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation and the inquiry committee formed by the education department. The school management has reiterated its stance against any form of violence or physical punishment towards students.

This incident has drawn attention to the issue of corporal punishment in schools and the mechanisms in place for child protection. The swift response from both educational authorities and law enforcement highlights a commitment to upholding child safety standards and addressing violations when they occur.

  • Incident Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2023
  • School: Mother Miriam High School, Nagjhiri Road, Ujjain
  • Teacher Identified: Dr. Ashok Sharma (Mathematics Teacher)
  • Student: Class 9 (name not disclosed)
  • Allegation: Student misbehaved with a female teacher
  • Official Action: Probe ordered by Collector Ashish Singh, three-member committee formed by DEO Anand Sharma.
  • Legal Action: FIR lodged against Dr. Ashok Sharma under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
  • School Action: Dr. Ashok Sharma suspended by school director Sanjana Singh.

The investigation by the three-member committee and the police inquiry are ongoing. Further updates are expected as authorities continue to gather information and determine the appropriate course of action following their findings. The outcome of these probes will ascertain the specific disciplinary and legal consequences for the teacher involved.