In a disturbing incident at S.J. Dave High School in Shehra town of Gujarat’s Panchmahal district, an 18-year-old Class 12 student allegedly slapped a female teacher after she questioned his late arrival for a Class 12 preliminary examination, sparking widespread outrage and debate over discipline and safety in Indian schools.
The incident, captured on CCTV and circulated widely on social media, led to an FIR being filed and the student’s brief custody and release on bail, while police and school officials investigate further.
The boy also reportedly returned to the school with his father and a group of people and allegedly threatened the teacher, prompting concern among peers and educators.
‘Who Are You to Question Me?’ – CCTV Captures Classroom Assault
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the trouble began on January 24 when the student arrived late for his second preliminary test and was asked to explain his tardiness by the female invigilator. CCTV footage shows him slapping the teacher and pushing her before fleeing the room, after allegedly telling her “No one asks me anything at home, so who are you to question me?”
The video sparked outrage once it went viral, with many expressing shock at the student’s conduct. Police Inspector Ankur Chaudhary confirmed that a First Information Report was registered on February 3, the crime scene was reconstructed, and the boy was taken into custody before being granted bail by the court.
School authorities said the father apologised to the teacher and the principal on the day of the incident, although subsequent allegations of threats have deepened the case.
Education Crisis and Growing Classroom Violence
Incidents of violence in Indian schools have drawn increasing attention in recent months, reinforcing concerns about safety and discipline. In neighbouring regions, other cases – from students attacking tutors to parents assaulting teachers over disciplinary action – highlight a troubling trend of aggressive responses to school authority.
Teacher associations have condemned the Gujarat episode as symptomatic of weakening respect for educators and called for stronger protective measures. Parents and community leaders are urging strengthened counselling and behavioural support frameworks to address underlying frustrations and anger among students.
School management has pledged cooperation with authorities and is reviewing on-campus safety protocols.
Legal and Educational Responsibility
Under Indian law, assaulting a teacher can attract charges under sections relating to criminal assault and intimidation. Police action in this case, including registering an FIR and conducting a crime reconstruction, underscores that such behaviour – and alleged follow-up threats – are not being taken lightly.
While the student received bail, the ongoing investigation could lead to further legal consequences.
Education authorities have not yet released a detailed statement on policy changes but are monitoring public response.
Numerous education boards across India emphasise zero tolerance for violence on campus and regularly issue guidelines on student conduct, suggesting that schools should reinforce codes of behaviour and ensure robust safety protocols.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Violence against educators and within classrooms undermines the very essence of education a space meant for growth, safety, and mutual respect.
While legal action is necessary to address assault and threats, we must also ask why such behaviour is emerging among learners and how homes, schools, and communities can intervene constructively.
Educators should be protected and empowered, and students must be guided with empathy and firm but fair discipline.
