Bengaluru, July 15 (IANS) A Class eight student of a school in Mariyappanapalya in Bengaluru is battling for his life after allegedly attempting suicide following an incident of corporal punishment and alleged discrimination by school staff.

The incident, which came to light on Tuesday, has triggered outrage among the student’s family, who have demanded strict action against the school management and the teachers concerned. A case has been registered at the Jnanabharathi Police Station, and an investigation is underway.

According to the parents, the boy, who is studying under the Right to Education (RTE) quota, had a quarrel with two of his classmates at school. The matter was reportedly escalated to the headmaster, following which the student was allegedly beaten by teachers.

The family alleged that the boy sustained bruises and other marks on his body and was not allowed to enter the school premises for the remainder of the day. They have further accused the school management of discriminating against him because he was admitted under the RTE quota.

Unable to cope with the alleged humiliation and physical assault, the student returned home visibly distressed. His father works at a grocery store, while his mother is employed at a garment factory.

As no one was at home at the time, the boy reportedly narrated the incident to his cousin sister before attempting to hang himself from a ceiling fan.

Sensing something was amiss, the cousin checked on him and found him struggling. She immediately rescued him and alerted family members.

The student was rushed to a private hospital in Nayandahalli, where he remains in critical condition. Doctors are said to be treating him for serious injuries, including damage to his spinal cord.

The distraught parents have sought immediate intervention from the authorities and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.

Police have registered a case and are examining the circumstances leading to the incident. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the allegations of corporal punishment and discrimination levelled against the school administration.

The school is yet to react to the incident.

–IANS

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