Class IV Forced To Kneel Down For Three Hours As Punishment In Odisha’s Kandhamal

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Phulbani: Manisha Mallick, a Class IV student was forced to kneel down for three hours as punishment by her matron on February 21. Her crime. She asked permission from her matron, Sucharita Nayak to watch TV on Mahashivratri, a holiday. 

The incident took place in Kandhamal district’s residential Sebashram School in Sainpada under K.Nuagan block. It is managed by the SC/ST Department.

The punishment was so severe that the minor girl couldn’t stand up and walk on her feet. Later, Manisha was admitted to the Community Health Centre, K. Nuagaon for treatment. Though her condition was improving, she was still suffering from severe pain on both her knees, sources said.

Headmaster Debanand Pradhan expressed dismay while speaking to media persons. It may be noted that the state government has declared all schools as no punishment zone.

The District Welfare Officer (DWO) Seshadev Behera who visited the school said that appropriate action will be taken against the accused matron.