NHRC takes suomotu cognizance of the death of a child due to corporal punishment by the school headmasterin Jalore, Rajasthan

New Delhi, 16th August, 2022

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken asuomotu cognizance of a media report that a class three student, belonging to Scheduled Caste, studying in Sarasvati Vidyalaya in Surana area of district Jalore, Rajasthan was beaten up by the headmaster of the school on 20.07.2022 due to which he sustained grievous injuries and died in a hospital in Ahmedabad during the course of the medical treatment.

The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Rajasthan calling for a detailed report in the matter including present status of the investigation being conducted by the police and action taken against the responsible headmaster. The DGP, Rajasthan is expected to explain as to why the FIR in the matter was not registered by the police for 23 days in spite of efforts made by the family of the victim.

Apart from the status of payment of the Statutory Relief under provisions of the SC/ST Act, the Commission would like to know from the State Government as to what steps have been taken or proposed to be taken to ensure that such inhuman and cruel acts are not done with the vulnerable sections of the society including SC and ST. The response from the State Government and the Police Chief is expected within fourweeks.

According to the media report, the young boy had taken water to drink from a Pot, which was kept for the headmaster and when headmasternoticed it, he severely beat him. The victim sustained injuries near his ear. Reportedly, the headmaster also mounted undue pressure on the family for a compromise and gave a sum of Rs. 1.5 lakhs to them to hush up the matter. In spite of efforts made by the family, the police did not register an FIR for 23 days.

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