Police in Kanpur have registered a case against four staff members of a private school for allegedly subjecting an eight-year-old boy to severe mental harassment after accusing him of stealing a pen. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, came to light after the child began exhibiting extreme signs of psychological distress.
Child's Distress Signals Trigger Parental Complaint
The parents of the Class 2 student noticed alarming behavioural changes in their son. According to the formal complaint, the boy became withdrawn and would frequently wake up crying at night, uttering phrases like, "Ma'am, I didn't take the pen." The most disturbing signs were when he started writing the word "Help" repeatedly in his school books and on the walls of his family home.
The chain of events reportedly began when the school summoned the child on December 12 concerning an alleged incident dated November 28. Notably, the boy was not even present in school on November 28, as stated by his family. The mother's complaint alleges that her son was falsely accused and then subjected to intense mental pressure by the school authorities.
FIR Registered Against School Director, Principal, and Teachers
Based on the parents' complaint, the police in Kanpur's Sen Paschim Para area registered a First Information Report (FIR) on December 23. The named accused include the school's director Devraj Singh Rajawat, principal Anuprit Rawal, and teachers Sangeeta Malik and Swatantra Agnihotri.
The complaint contains several serious allegations. It states that the child was coerced into recording a 'confession video'. Furthermore, when the family sought clarity by asking for CCTV footage from the school, the administration allegedly refused to share it. Instead, the family claims they were pressured to pay for the pen their son was accused of stealing.
Police Investigation Underway, Accused Yet to Appear
Kanpur police have initiated an investigation into the matter. Station Officer Pradeep Kumar Singh confirmed that an FIR has been registered and the case is being probed. Police officials stated that notices were issued to the four accused staff members, but they failed to appear at the police station for questioning.
This case has highlighted critical concerns about child safety and psychological well-being within educational institutions. The extreme reaction of the young student, manifesting through cries for help scribbled on walls, underscores the profound impact such accusations and harassment can have on a child's mental health. The community awaits further developments as the police continue their investigation into the alleged mental harassment at the private school.
