UP School Where Teacher Made Students Slap Muslim Classmate Shut For Now
A shocking incident of communal discrimination and corporal punishment has come to light from a private school in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district. A teacher, who is also the principal and owner of the school, was caught on video asking her Class 2 students to slap their Muslim classmate for not doing his homework. The video, which went viral on social media, has sparked massive outrage and condemnation from various quarters.
What happened?
The incident took place at Neha Public School in Khubbapur village of Muzaffarnagar on August 25, 2023. The teacher, identified as Tripta Tyagi, was seen in the video making communal remarks and ordering her students to slap a seven-year-old Muslim boy. As the boy stood crying, his classmates took turns to slap him, while the teacher was heard saying "hit him hard". The video was reportedly recorded by another teacher and shared online.
What action has been taken?
The district administration has taken swift action against the school and the teacher after the video went viral. The education department has sent a notice to the school operator and asked for answers on many points regarding the school's standards. The school has been ordered to stay closed till the investigation in the matter is completed. The children studying in the school will be admitted in nearby schools by the officials of the education department so that their studies are not affected.
The police have also registered a case against Tripta Tyagi under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The police said that they are investigating the matter and will take further action as per the law.
What is the teacher's defence?
Tripta Tyagi, who claims to be handicapped, has denied any communal angle in the incident and said that she asked some students to slap the boy because he had not been doing his homework for two months. She said that there was pressure from the boy's parents to be strict with him and that she could not get up and reach him due to her disability. She also said that the video was edited and cut to stoke tensions and that she had no such intentions. She said that she made a mistake and sought apology with folded hands.
What is the reaction?
The incident has triggered widespread outrage and criticism from various sections of society, including political leaders, activists, celebrities, and netizens. Many people have condemned the teacher's behaviour and demanded strict action against her and the school. Some people have also expressed concern over the safety and well-being of the Muslim boy and other students who witnessed the incident. Some people have also questioned the quality and regulation of private schools in Uttar Pradesh.
The incident has also highlighted the issue of communal discrimination and violence against minorities in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, which has witnessed several cases of hate crimes and mob lynchings in recent years. Many people have called for strengthening communal harmony and tolerance among different communities and religions in India.
Sources:
(1) UP School Where Teacher Made Students Slap Muslim Classmate Shut For Now. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/school-in-ups-muzaffarnagar-where-teacher-made-students-slap-muslim-classmate-shut-till-probe-is-completed-4333694.
(2) Uttar Pradesh: India school shut down over slapping row. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-66636596.
(3) Muzaffarnagar Viral Video: School To Remain Shut For Now ... - News18. https://www.news18.com/india/muzaffarnagar-school-viral-video-muslim-student-slap-principal-tripta-tyagi-8552872.html.
