Kollam: A warden and a cook at a private boarding school near Punalur have been arrested for allegedly assaulting a 12-year-old student after suspecting him of theft, police said on Saturday.

According to police officials, the incident came to light after the cook accused the boy of stealing ₹500. Acting on this suspicion, the cook allegedly subjected the child to physical abuse and even hung him upside down a few days ago.

The school warden is said to have assisted in the act.

Both the accused have been taken into custody and charged under relevant provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act as well as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities confirmed that legal proceedings are underway.

Police said the boy did not suffer any lasting health complications from the incident and is currently safe.

The case was registered after the child informed his parents about the assault, following which his father lodged a formal complaint with the police.

With PTI inputs