Uttarakhand: 7-Year-Old Muslim Boy Allegedly Assaulted by Teachers in Government School

A 7-year-old Muslim boy reportedly faced severe physical abuse by his teachers at a government school in Jhabrera village, Haridwar district, Uttarakhand, after being absent for a day. The boy’s father filed a complaint stating that upon returning to school, teachers Rakesh Saini and Ravindra allegedly subjected him to brutal punishment, resulting in significant injuries, including a fractured arm. The accusations include claims that the principal, Ravindra, placed his shoe on the child’s face while teacher Rakesh Saini continued to inflict physical harm. The child was found to have multiple injuries, clearly indicating the severity of the violence, as shown in photos shared by his family. In response to the complaint, the Haridwar police initiated an investigation, registering a First Information Report (FIR) on September 11, 2025. The charges include violations under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (Section 75), as well as sections of the Indian Penal Code related to causing hurt and criminal intimidation. “Further investigations and legal proceedings are currently in progress,” officials at the Jhabrera police station confirmed. The boy’s father expressed his distress, stating, “The teachers punished him for missing school, and one of his elbows is fractured.” He mentioned that his son is undergoing medical treatment at a local hospital. Mohammad Saddam Mujeeb, a former advisor at the Delhi Minorities Commission, has submitted a complaint to the National Commission for Minorities, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), urging for accountability and stringent action against those responsible. Mujeeb remarked, “This represents a serious violation of child rights and warrants investigation. The safety of students is paramount.” He emphasized that such incidents could occur to any student and called for measures to prevent a recurrence, ensuring accountability at all levels.