Pulled hair; fractured nose: Indian teacher in Maldives faces attack from Class 8 student

Thiruvananthapuram: An Indian teacher has alleged she was assaulted by a Class 8 student at a school in the Maldives after she stopped him from playing games in a laboratory.

The teacher, Smita N. Pillai (35), wife of Deepak Shashi of Chengannur (in Kerala’s Alappuzha), is employed at a school in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. She sustained serious facial injuries and was admitted to hospital following the incident.

Smita has been working in the Maldives since last year. The incident occurred on April 12 during class when she attempted to stop the student from playing games on the computer. She had reportedly instructed him multiple times not to use the computer for games, but the student did not comply.

It is further stated that she warned the student she would record the gaming activity on her mobile phone and submit it to the principal. Following this, the student allegedly became violent.

He is said to have first thrown her phone, then repeatedly struck her on the face. Her hair was allegedly pulled during the assault. She reportedly began bleeding from the nose and subsequently lost consciousness. Colleagues at the school intervened, restrained the student, and shifted her to hospital.

Nasal fracture confirmed; surgery planned in India

Smita’s husband, Deepak, said doctors have confirmed a fracture to her nose and advised surgery within ten days. He added that arrangements are being made to bring her to India for further treatment.

It is also said that due to a lack of required treatment facilities in the Maldives, she is being brought back to India for surgery.

A complaint has been lodged with the police and a case has been registered. Smita’s husband Deepak said neither the Maldivian Education Ministry nor the school management had made contact with them so far. Deepak further said a fresh complaint will be submitted to the Indian High Commissioner before their return to India.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi is reported to have intervened in the matter and spoken with the Indian High Commissioner in the Maldives. The High Commissioner has reportedly assured the minister that action will be taken, according to Deepak.

Suspension, counselling and further reports of classroom threats

The student involved has been suspended from school for one week and recommended for counselling. However, Indian teachers at the institution are reported to be dissatisfied with the action taken. Around 15 Malayali teachers are employed at the school.

In a separate reported incident in the same school, a student allegedly threatened another Malayali teacher, saying that “the next blow would be for her,” after being reprimanded for indiscipline in class.

It is also said that such threats from students are reported in several schools in the Maldives. Teachers’ relatives further claim that Indian teachers receive only a quarter of the salary compared to other staff.

There are also claims that Indian students face physical harassment in classrooms, with such matters often being settled internally by school managements.