Assault on Minor Trainee in Bathinda
A 17-year-old boy from Phagwara, Kapurthala district, who was training for armed forces recruitment exams at a private academy in Bhucho Mandi, Bathinda, was allegedly assaulted by the academy owner on Thursday. The incident was captured on camera, and the video has gone viral on social media.
Victim Hospitalized
The minor is currently admitted to the Civil Hospital in Bathinda, where he is receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the assault.
Mother's Allegations
The victim's mother stated, "My son told me that he had gone to a girl's room in the paying guest (PG) accommodation only to provide first aid after she suffered an injury on her foot. However, when the academy owner came to know about it, he assaulted my son while under the influence of liquor, using an iron rod, besides punching, slapping and kicking him in his abdomen."
Police Investigation Initiated
Bhucho DSP Pritpal Singh confirmed that the police have started an investigation. "A strict action will be taken in this regard, but the family has not yet given us a complaint," said the DSP.
Academy Owner's Defense
The academy owner, Gurjant Singh, justified his actions, saying the boy had entered a girl's room in a private PG accommodation. "The PG is not run by the academy, but both the girls and the boy are our students. When the girls complained to me that the boy had entered a girl's room, I went there and thrashed him. The police have recorded my statement, and the girls have also given their statements in this regard. I had simply gone there on humanitarian grounds. There had been a complaint against this boy in the past as well. The PG accommodation's owner was out of station yesterday," said Gurjant.
Demand for Action
The injured boy's mother has demanded the closure of the academy and strict legal action against its owner.
