GCC Official Says Headmistress Suspended After Chennai Student Hospitalised
GCC official confirmed the suspension of a headmistress from a Greater Chennai Corporation primary school in Puzhuthivakkam after an 11-year-old girl landed in the ICU due to a severe assault. The incident occurred earlier this month when the Class 5 student was allegedly beaten for spilling ink during class.
The child was admitted to Kalaignar Centenary Superspeciality Hospital (KCSH) in Guindy following continuous headaches and nausea. Medical examinations indicated a minor brain hemorrhage. Doctors at KCSH confirmed that the girl is conscious and stable but remains under close observation in the neurology intensive care unit.
GCC Official Notes Inquiry Confirms Assault by Headmistress
According to the GCC official, the internal inquiry revealed that the headmistress, identified as K. Indira Gandhi, admitted to striking the child “for her own good” on October 9. The disciplinary report stated that the student sustained swelling on her hands and legs, which later subsided.
However, the child’s parents and classmates shared a more disturbing account. They alleged that the headmistress used a stick so forcefully that it broke during the assault. The girl’s mother noticed swelling in her limbs later that day, while the father recalled that his daughter complained of severe headaches after her hair was pulled.
“When I called the headmistress that night, she admitted to hitting her twice,” said the father. The following morning, he visited the school along with ward councillor JK Manikandan from the DMK, where other students confirmed the incident.
GCC Official Adds Medical Support Provided as Family Faces Loss of Income
After the girl developed recurring headaches, her parents first took her to a nearby health centre before moving her to a private hospital. She remained there for three days, incurring medical bills of around ₹30,000, which councillor Manikandan covered. Despite the discharge, her symptoms persisted, prompting her transfer to KCSH for specialised care.
The father shared that the family lost their daily income due to the hospital stay and is now focusing solely on the child’s recovery. “I just want my daughter to get better,” he said with concern. Hospital sources stated that the CT scan revealed a thin subdural hematoma a form of internal bleeding caused by head trauma.
GCC Official Warns All Schools Against Corporal Punishment
Following the incident, GCC issued a circular to all its schools, strongly reiterating that corporal punishment is strictly prohibited. The district child protection officer and local police have also initiated an inquiry into the case.
“The girl’s health is being closely monitored, and necessary action has been taken against the accused,” said the GCC official. The corporation also confirmed that further disciplinary measures will depend on the outcome of the investigation by child welfare authorities. Also Read: Chennai People Be Ready: Cyclone ‘Montha’ May Bring Heavy Rains and Strong Winds on October 27
The tragic case has sparked widespread concern among parents and education activists, urging stronger enforcement of the ban on corporal punishment in government schools.
Conclusion:
GCC official confirmed that strict action has been taken to ensure such incidents are not repeated. As the young student continues her recovery, the case stands as a serious reminder of the need for compassion and accountability within classrooms. The Greater Chennai Corporation has pledged to monitor schools more closely and protect every child’s right to safety and dignity.
