‘Radhe Radhe’ Greeting Leads to Assault: Chhattisgarh Principal Arrested
Raipur, August 2, 2025:
A shocking case of student assault has surfaced from Chhattisgarh, where a school principal was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting a student who greeted him with the words “Radhe Radhe.” The incident has sparked outrage across social media and prompted local authorities to initiate an inquiry into the school’s disciplinary practices.
The principal, identified as Rajeev Sharma, who heads a reputed government higher secondary school in Durg district, was accused of physically assaulting a 16-year-old student from class XI after the student wished him “Radhe Radhe” during the morning assembly. According to eyewitness accounts, Sharma, allegedly offended by the greeting, slapped the student repeatedly and reprimanded him harshly, insisting that students should only say “Good Morning” to staff members.
Soon after the incident, the student, accompanied by his parents, filed a formal complaint with the local police. Following preliminary investigation and recording statements from other students and teachers who witnessed the assault, Sharma was arrested under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code related to voluntarily causing hurt and assault on a minor.
Assault during morning assembly
The assault reportedly took place around 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday. According to classmates, the student, who is known for his interest in devotional songs, greeted the principal with “Radhe Radhe,” a salutation linked to the worship of Lord Krishna, as he does regularly with friends. Sharma allegedly interpreted it as an act of indiscipline, claiming it disrupted the “formal atmosphere” of the school.
Eyewitnesses say the principal confronted the student in front of the entire assembly, scolding him publicly before delivering multiple slaps and pushing him back. Teachers on duty had to intervene to separate the principal from the student.
Public reaction and outrage
The incident triggered widespread condemnation on social media platforms, with many calling it an example of unnecessary rigidity in educational institutions and an outright case of assault on a minor. Several posts criticized the principal’s behavior as an overreaction to a harmless greeting rooted in cultural tradition.
Parents of other students also expressed concern, fearing such an environment could traumatize children. “My son came home shaken after witnessing the assault. What lesson does this teach students—that they should fear expressing themselves?” asked the mother of a class XII student.
Local activists and members of community organizations have demanded strict action against the principal and have also urged authorities to ensure counseling for the affected student.
School authorities and official response
The District Education Officer (DEO) of Durg, Meena Patel, issued a statement confirming that an internal inquiry has begun. “We take any incident of assault within school premises seriously. The principal has been suspended pending investigation,” Patel said.
Police officials, while confirming the arrest, stated that Sharma was questioned and later granted conditional bail. The investigation is ongoing, and further legal action will be based on medical reports and corroborating evidence collected from the school.
Student recovering from trauma
The assaulted student, meanwhile, is recovering at home. His family reports that although there were no severe physical injuries, he is emotionally distressed. “My son never expected to be assaulted for simply greeting someone respectfully,” his father said. The family has requested the education department to provide psychological counseling to help him overcome the trauma.
Broader debate sparked
The assault has reignited debate over discipline in schools and the limits of authority wielded by educators. Education experts argue that cultural greetings like “Radhe Radhe” or “Namaste” are part of a student’s identity and should be embraced, not punished.
Social commentators also pointed out that such incidents reflect deeper issues regarding tolerance and respect for diverse cultural expressions within formal education systems.
As the investigation continues, parents and child rights activists hope the case will set a precedent against any form of assault in educational settings, ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for learning, dialogue, and expression.
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