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New Delhi: A 13-year-old girl from Vasai in Maharashtra, died a week after she was allegedly made to perform 100 sit-ups with her schoolbag on her shoulders as punishment for arriving late to school. The incident has triggered outrage, prompted police action, and raised concerns over disciplinary practices in local schools.
The student, identified as Kajal (Anshika) Sikandar Gaur, a Class 6 student of Shri Hanumant Vidya Mandir in Sativali, Vasai (East), reportedly fell ill soon after she returned home on November 8. Her family said she had reached school about ten minutes late and, along with a few other latecomers, was punished by her class teacher.
According to her mother, Kajal complained of exhaustion and back pain after returning home. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, following which she was taken to Aastha Hospital in Vasai. She was later shifted to another local hospital and eventually referred to Mumbai's JJ Hospital as her health worsened. She died around 11 pm on Friday -- Children's Day.
The family has accused the school administration and the teacher of harassment leading to her death. They have demanded strict action.
Police initially registered an accidental death report (ADR) at Sir JJ Marg Police Station. The case was later transferred to Waliv Police Station, which has begun preliminary verification. Senior inspector Dilip Ghughe said a possible link between the punishment and the girl's collapse "cannot be ruled out" but added that clarity would come only after the medical and post-mortem reports.
A school official said they were "ready to accept responsibility" if the post-mortem confirmed the punishment had caused her death, according to a TOI report.
