Visakhapatnam school death: CCTV shows teacher allegedly hitting 6-year-old before he collapses

A six-year-old boy died after allegedly being assaulted by a teacher at a school in Visakhapatnam, with CCTV footage from the classroom now being examined as part of the investigation into his death.

The boy, identified as Pranay Teja, was a UKG student at Little Garden School in the One Town area of Visakhapatnam. According to the CCTV footage cited in reports, Pranay was standing in a queue with his slate when the teacher pulled him closer and allegedly slapped him after scolding him over unfinished homework.

The footage appears to show the teacher first loosening the child's clothing before hitting him. Within seconds, the boy is seen becoming unsteady and collapsing towards the teacher.

School staff rushed Pranay to King George Hospital after he became unconscious. He was declared brought dead at the hospital, officials said.

Visakhapatnam District Education Officer Prem Kumar alleged that the student died following physical assault by a teacher. He said the education department would submit a detailed report to higher authorities and that strict action would be taken against the teacher involved as well as the school management.

"Yesterday evening, a severe and tragic incident occurred at Little Garden School. A UKG student unexpectedly passed away, allegedly due to physical assault by a teacher," Kumar said. He added that an ambulance was immediately sent to the school after officials received information about the incident.

Revenue Divisional Officer Dileep Chakravarthy said officials were initially informed that a six-year-old boy had become unconscious at the school and was taken to hospital, where he was declared brought dead. He said further details would be shared after officials looked into the incident.

The incident has also raised fresh concerns over the use of physical punishment against young children in schools, with the education department promising strict action against those found responsible.

With ANI inputs