A disturbing incident from Bengaluru’s Sunkadakatte area has brought to light serious concerns about child safety and discipline practices in private schools. On October 14, 2025, a nine-year-old boy studying in Class 5 at New St. Mary’s Public School was allegedly beaten with a PVC pipe by the school principal, assisted by a teacher, and in the presence of the school owner.
This case has prompted a police investigation amid widespread public outrage and calls for stricter monitoring of school discipline.
Brutal Assault Inside School Premises
Divya Shankar, the boy’s mother, filed a complaint describing how her son, Nayan Gowda, was subjected to physical abuse inside the school. According to her account, the child was first punished by a female teacher, Chandrika, who did not allow him to sit in class and instead struck him.
After two hours, Nayan was sent to the principal’s office where principal Rakesh Kumar allegedly assaulted him with a CPVC pipe on his buttocks, legs, and hands. When Nayan tried to flee the beating, the teacher reportedly held him down so the principal could continue.
To add to the distress, the school’s owner, Vijay Kumar, who is also the principal’s father, was present but did not intervene; instead, he allegedly encouraged the assault. The boy returned home visibly injured, with bleeding, bruises, and mental trauma requiring hospitalisation for medical treatment.
The family reports the school management admonished them to take the child’s transfer certificate and leave if they raised questions or complaints about the incident.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Kamakshipalya police registered a case under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act, which deals with cruelty to children, also invoking sections covering hurt caused by dangerous weapons and criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police officials confirmed they have recorded statements from the principal, teacher, and owner but did not arrest them due to the bailable nature of the alleged offences. CCTV footage from the school is under review, and the child is undergoing a medical examination for a detailed injury report. Police have also alerted the education department to the gravity of the incident.
The mother has expressed concerns over intimidation and sought police protection for her family as the investigation continues.
Background and Wider Concerns Over Discipline in Schools
The incident has intensified public discourse around corporal punishment, which is illegal but reportedly still prevalent in many Indian schools. Schools sometimes resort to harsh disciplinary measures despite guidelines promoting positive reinforcement and non-violent disciplinary approaches.
The psychological and physical impact of such treatment on children is profound, contributing to trauma, fear of school, and adverse developmental outcomes.
This case highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight and regulatory frameworks to prevent abuse and ensure a safe learning environment for all children.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The assault on this young boy at the hands of educators entrusted to nurture him is a sobering reminder of how urgent it is to enforce child protection and advocate for humane and empathetic methods of discipline in schools. Corporal punishment not only violates children’s rights but undermines their dignity and security.
Educational institutions must act as safe spaces fostering trust, respect, and positive growth. This incident must catalyse systemic reforms, including mandatory psychological training for teachers, transparent complaint mechanisms, and strict legal repercussions for violations.