A shocking incident has come to light from Mumbai’s Malad East area. A private tutor has been charged after allegedly burning the hand of an 8-year-old student. The tutor burned the child’s hand with a candle as a form of punishment for poor handwriting. The distressing incident occurred on the evening of July 28 at the tutor’s residence in JP Decks Building.
Child Suffers Severe Burns During Tuition Class
The victim was identified as Mohammad Hamza Khan, a Class 3 student at Lakshadham School. The child attends evening tuition sessions regularly at Rajshree Rathore’s home from 7 pm to 9 pm. On the day of the incident, Hamza’s elder sister dropped him off as usual. However, around 9 pm, Ms. Rathore contacted Hamza’s father, Mustakeen Khan. She informed him that his son was crying uncontrollably and needed to be picked up immediately.
When Hamza arrived home, he revealed that the tutor had punished him. He informed his parents that the teacher held his hand over a lit candle due to his bad handwriting. This caused severe burns on the boy’s right palm. His father also noticed injuries on his left hand. Hamza was first taken to a local doctor and then transferred to Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital (Shatabdi) in Kandivali for further treatment.
Father Confronts Tutor, FIR Registered
Upon noticing the injuries, Mustakeen Khan confronted the tutor, who allegedly admitted to the act, justifying it as a form of discipline. According to Khan, he criticized her for the inhumane punishment, Rathore responded with verbal abuse. The Kurar police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Rathore under relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police Investigation Underway
Police officials confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing. The child lives with his parents and older sister in Malad East, and his father is a vendor by profession. The tutor’s act has raised serious concerns about child safety and the disciplinary methods used in private educational setups.
Calls for Stricter Laws and Vigilance
This disturbing incident has reignited debates on whether stricter laws and regulations are needed to protect children from abuse in educational institutions, including private tuition centers. Experts and child rights activists emphasize the importance of monitoring such institutions closely and encouraging parents to report any form of physical or emotional abuse.
The case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of children outside formal school environments and highlights the urgent need for awareness and accountability among educators and caregivers.
