Kerala Teacher Removed from Duty Over Alleged Mistreatment of Sick Student
Teacher accused of verbally and physically mistreating sixth-grade student; inquiry committee to submit report within three days.
Thiruvananthapuram: A teacher at a church-run school in Iritty, Kannur district of Kerala, has been temporarily removed from duty after being accused of mistreating a sixth-grade student who collapsed in class after feeling unwell.
Following strong protests from parents, the Thalassery Diocese Corporate Educational Agency, which oversees St Joseph Upper Primary School in Kunnoth, relieved Sr Linto Joseph from her regular duties and set up a special committee to investigate the incident.
The teacher allegedly spoke harshly to the student with known health issues, causing the child to become dizzy, collapse, and lose consciousness.
The parents claim the teacher asked, “Haven’t you died yet?” and also accuse her of kicking their child.
The student has frequent health problems, and the school was reportedly aware of the condition, taking precautions and providing special care. However, Linto Jose, who had joined the school just a couple of days earlier, explained that she was unaware of the student’s health situation.
On Thursday, the Archdiocese of Thalassery’s corporate management announced it had received a complaint and set up a special inquiry committee to investigate.
The teacher involved has been relieved of her duties during the investigation.
According to the management, she was appointed to fill a temporary 30-day vacancy. The committee has been instructed to submit its findings within three days, after which further action will be taken.
The management emphasized its commitment to prioritizing student safety and welfare while ensuring both sides are heard fairly.
The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken up a Suo motu case following media reports that alleged inhuman treatment of a student who collapsed in the classroom.