MARGAO: A criminal complaint against the Principal of Loyola High School Margao for allegedly assaulting a minor student, was registered at Margao Police Station on Tuesday.
According to the complaint, the student aged 13 years, studying in the high school was allegedly assaulted in the school premises on January 27, 2018.
Going strictly by the complaint filed by the parents of the child, and based of the description of the incident by the student, on Saturday at about 11.40 am, during the fifth period, the class teacher sent the boy and two others to kneel down outside the class as a punishment for reasons unknown. The principal came to the place where these three boys were being punished and allegedly kicked the student, rained blows and later assaulted the boy on the face and head. The complaint also alleges that the head of the student was repeatedly banged on the wall.
The complainants also alleged that their son, out of fear and shame, did not inform the incident to his parents and apparently after he was in pain and vomited at home they discovered what had happened. The student was admitted to the hospital at 4.30pm on Tuesday.
POLICE VERSION
The police said that a complaint from resident of Fatorda was registered at police station that the principal of Loyola High School had allegedly assaulted a minor child with fist blows and also threatened of breaking the child’s jaw if he returns to school.
“Following the complaint the police registered an FIR under sec 323, 506 (2) and sec 8 of Goa Children’s Act. The police in the evening sought footage of the CCTV from that area of the school to find the real facts,” Margao Town Inspector Kapil Nayak said.
MEDICAL REPORT INFO
The medical report of the student said that part of the soft tissue of the scalp has been diagnosed as damaged. The student has been asked to return to the hospital after a few days for clinical psychology and counselling.
PARENT’S VIEW
The father of the victim, while speaking on the issue, said, “I have taken up the matter just to ensure that any such incidents, anywhere in Goa, will be discouraged. There is no question of a compromise,” he said. The father of the student also said that he, and all the parents, expect more patience and human treatment to students. The parents said that they will let the boy rest on Wednesday and resume school on Thursday.
SCHOOL VERSION
Representatives of the institution speaking to Herald said they have not been informed in detail about the incident that happened on Saturday and the consequent complaint. They said they will be determining all the facts and then take a call on the entire incident. The institution also said that such incidents will be avoided.
PEOPLE SPEAK
Activists have expressed extreme anger at the incident. Avinash Tavares, speaking on the issue said, “This is the fourth case in Margao in the last few months. Corporal punishment in schools doesn’t just happen in rural parts of other States, but is happening in the so-called best schools in Goa. What is the use of CCTV coverage in schools if the police don’t access it to corroborate the evidence?”
