Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 31: In a shocking case of corporal punishment, an eight-year-old boy in Mumbai’s Malad East suffered burn injuries after his tuition teacher allegedly held his hand over a burning candle to discipline him for poor handwriting.
The incident took place on the evening of July 28 at the JP Decks Building, where the accused tutor, Rajshree Rathore, conducts private tuition classes. The victim, Mohammad Hamza Khan, a Class 3 student of Lakshadham School, regularly attended evening tuition sessions at her residence.
According to the child’s father, Mustakeen Khan (50), Hamza was dropped off by his elder sister Rubina as part of their usual routine. However, by 9 pm, the tutor reportedly contacted Mr Khan in a panic, saying that the boy was crying inconsolably and needed to be taken home immediately.
It was only after returning home that the child revealed the cause of his distress. In a disturbing statement, Hamza alleged that his teacher had intentionally held his hand over a candle flame as punishment, causing severe burns to his right palm.
The boy was initially taken to a local doctor and later shifted to Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital (Shatabdi) for further treatment.
Following a complaint filed by the boy’s father, the police have registered a case against the teacher and confirmed that further investigation is in progress.
The incident has sparked outrage among parents in the locality, who are demanding strict action against the teacher for the inhumane act.