A disturbing incident of alleged child abuse has emerged from a preschool in Salt Lake, Kolkata, where a three-and-a-half-year-old girl was reportedly confined inside a dark cupboard as a form of punishment. The incident, which occurred on February 20, has led to public outrage, a police complaint, and an inquiry by the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights (WBCPCR).

Details of the Incident

The formal complaint lodged by the child’s father accuses two teachers, named Sayita Karmakar and Indira Das, of forcibly placing the child in a cupboard or box and blocking the entrance with a heavy table to prevent her from escaping. The entire episode was captured by the preschool’s CCTV cameras. Following persistent requests, the child’s mother was eventually allowed to view the footage, which corroborated the family’s concerns.

Footage Captures Disturbing Actions

The video reveals one of the teachers dragging the girl into an empty classroom and making her sit in a corner. Afterward, the teacher is seen pulling a table closer, forcing the child into the cupboard while another teacher enters the room, appearing to drink water without intervening. This second teacher is then shown assisting in restraining the child, while the first teacher blocks the cupboard entrance with the table for several seconds before removing it, allowing the child to exit.

Impact on the Child

The incident has reportedly left the child with severe emotional distress. A clinical observation report from the University of Calcutta’s Clinical Psychology Centre highlighted significant negative effects on the child’s mental well-being, including emotional trauma, irritability, and sleep disturbances. The girl is currently reluctant to attend school and avoid interactions with the teachers involved.

Parental Response and Actions

The child’s father, who is based abroad, returned to Kolkata immediately after learning of the incident. He expressed his shock and devastation over the treatment of his daughter, stating that they have officially lodged a complaint with the relevant authorities. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that such incidents do not happen again.

Official Reactions and Investigations

The WBCPCR has responded by requesting a detailed report from the school’s management regarding the incident. The commission’s chairperson, Tulika Das, termed the situation unfortunate, emphasizing the need for all educational institutions to adhere to a Child Protection Policy. She noted that the commission has commenced an investigation and may send a team to the school if necessary. Das stated that the suspension of the teachers involved does not alleviate the seriousness of the incident and assured that the parents have sought the commission’s assistance.

School Administration’s Stance

In response to the allegations, the school administration announced the termination of the teachers involved and claimed that they had also informed the police in writing. The management highlighted its zero-tolerance policy regarding corporal punishment and mentioned ongoing communication with the parents to support the child’s well-being.

Family’s Ongoing Legal Fight

Despite the dismissal of the teachers, the family is determined to pursue legal action, citing systemic failures in the school’s safety measures and a perceived initial lack of accountability from the administration. They are advocating for changes to ensure the safety and well-being of all students at the institution.

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