6-year-old Dalit boy locked in classroom, 'forced to clean toilet'
A six-year-old Dalit boy was found locked inside a classroom at a government primary school in Jansath, Uttar Pradesh. The child's mother has alleged that her son was forced to clean the school's toilet by two teachers. The incident took place on Tuesday when the Class 1 student was discovered locked inside the classroom due to the alleged negligence of Principal Sandhya Jain and class teacher Ravita Rani, reports said.
Mother alleges teachers' 'hatred' against Dalit children
The mother filed a police complaint, alleging that her son was forced to clean toilets as the teachers harbored "hatred" against Dalit children. She claimed her son remained locked in the classroom alone for over an hour after school. When he didn't return home after school, she inquired with other students who were unaware of his whereabouts.
Mother reaches school to find son
Upon reaching the school, the mother found it locked but heard her son crying from inside. She alerted the villagers and family members, who then contacted the school principal. Teacher Rani's husband arrived at the school with keys and unlocked it to rescue the child. Rani's husband suggested that the child might have fallen asleep in the class.
Principal suspended; committee formed to investigate matter
Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Sandeep Kumar told news agency PTI that Principal Jain has been suspended and an adverse entry made against teacher Rani. A two-member committee, led by BSA of Jansath and Shahpur, has been formed to investigate the matter. They're expected to submit a report within three days. All staff members have been instructed to check classrooms before closing the school.
Principal calls suspension 'unjust;' blames class teacher
Principal Jain expressed her discontent with the suspension, calling it "unjust." She said that the class teacher was responsible for the incident. She added, "Even if the child was sleeping, the classroom should have been checked before locking it." The police are currently investigating the matter.
