PONDA: The Gawada, Kunbi Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) General Secretary Rupesh Velip condemned the assault on a student at Canacona by a teacher.
Addressing the media, Velip demanded the immediate arrest and termination of the services of the teacher Prasad Pagi for seriously assaulting the 13-year- old boy with a mop after learning that he had not participated in cleanliness drive on 2 October.
Velip said though a complaint had been filed in the matter, neither the school administration nor the police had taken action despite four days having passed after the complaint was lodged. The association warned that they would not tolerate it any cost and would not hesitate to launch an agitation on the issue if the school management and police fail to take action according to their demand.
Addressing the press along with office bearers Rama Kankonkar, Dr Satyawan Gaonkar, Abhijeet Gaude, Nilesh Gaude, Nilesh Kankonkar and Constantino Faleiro, Velip said GAKUVED was shocked when they came to know about the brutal assault on a student of Class VI who is a member of Scheduled Tribe community.
The victim, a student of Shree Balram Residential High School at Amone-Poinguinim, sustained injuries on his leg, hands, head and other parts of his body and is presently admitted to the South Goa District Hospital at Margao.
The cleanliness drive was organised in the school to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who espoused the philosophy of non-violence, and the United Nations even celebrates the day as International Day of Non-Violence.
Velip further said the cleanliness drive should not be compulsory for children. Gandhiji has never taught us violence and such an incident is an insult to the father of the nation and his values and ethics.
He further said is a clear case of atrocities on the student from the tribal community.
Teacher now in police lock-up
MARGAO: Prasad Pagi, the teacher was arrested by the Canacona police for allegedly assaulting the minor boy.
Canacona PI Chandrakant Gawas said that he will be produced before the Court inorder to obtain a remand.
Pagi had earlier filed for anticipatory bail before the Goa Children’s Court. The court has issued notices to Canacona police, defense advocate and public prosecutor and arguments were heard and his bail application was rejected.
