Tragic Loss in Vasai: Student Dies After Alleged Corporal Punishment; Teacher Arrested

New Delhi, November 20, 2025: A shocking incident of alleged corporal punishment has led to the tragic death of a 12-year-old student, Kajal Gaud, in Vasai, Maharashtra, sparking outrage and a police investigation. The Class 6 student of Shree Hanumat Vidya Mandir reportedly died at a Mumbai hospital, a week after being allegedly punished by her teacher with 100 sit-ups, performed while carrying her schoolbag, for being a few minutes late to school.

The Incident and Deterioration of Health

The incident occurred on November 8, 2025, when Kajal and several other students who arrived late were allegedly made to perform the strenuous physical punishment by their teacher, Mamta Yadav. According to the girl’s mother, Sheela Gaud, Kajal complained of severe back and neck pain shortly after returning home that evening, stating she was unable to move freely.

Her health rapidly deteriorated, leading her parents to admit her to a local hospital in Vasai. As her condition failed to improve, she was subsequently shifted to another hospital, and eventually to the state government-run J.J. Hospital in Byculla, Mumbai, where she succumbed to her condition on November 14, 2025.

Allegations of Prior Health Issues and School’s Negligence

The family has held the teacher and the school administration responsible for the devastating loss. Crucially, it has been alleged that the teacher, Mamta Yadav, was aware of Kajal’s pre-existing health issues, which reportedly included asthma or breathing difficulties. Family sources claim that doctors at J.J. Hospital indicated that the extreme exertion from the sit-ups, especially while carrying a heavy bag, caused internal bleeding and led to her death.

Waliv Police have since registered a First Information Report (FIR) and have arrested the teacher, Mamta Yadav, under the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Senior Police Inspector Dilip Ghuge confirmed the arrest, noting that the police are continuing their inquiry and will also investigate the school administration for potential negligence.

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Scrutiny on School’s Functioning

Beyond the tragic death and the issue of corporal punishment, the incident has also cast a spotlight on the functioning of Shree Hanumat Vidya Mandir. Investigations have reportedly revealed that the school has been operating out of an “illegal structure” and has allegedly been enrolling students for classes (like Class 9 and 10) for which it does not have the necessary government permission. The Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) had reportedly placed a warning board about the illegal structure years ago, which school authorities allegedly covered up.

The school’s actions in the immediate aftermath also drew criticism, with the girl’s mother alleging that a school manager attempted to evade responsibility, including trying to discourage her from staying at the hospital and initially refusing to pay ambulance fees. The teacher, Mamta Yadav, was reportedly dismissed from service by the school administration following the incident.

The death has reignited a crucial debate across the country regarding the persistence of corporal punishment in educational institutions, despite being strictly prohibited under laws like the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Authorities are awaiting the final post-mortem report to proceed with further judicial action against those responsible.