Maharashtra school students flee to forest after alleged beating over water task

Authorities in Maharashtra’s Palghar district are investigating reports that several children from a government primary school ran into a nearby forest after teachers allegedly assaulted them for returning late from a water-fetching task.

Education officials confirmed that the incident took place earlier this week at a zilla parishad school in Jambulmatha, Jawhar.

The case has drawn attention at a time when the district is already dealing with anger over the recent death of a Class 6 student who was allegedly punished with 100 sit-ups for arriving late to school.

Parents of the students submitted a complaint to the zilla parishad on Nov 19, saying that teachers had ordered children to collect water from a source about one kilometer from the school.

According to the complaint, the children were beaten when they came back later than expected.

They said the assault left the students frightened, prompting them to run away from the campus and hide in a forested area close to the village.

"The Zilla Parishad has initiated a probe into the allegations, and appropriate action will be taken based on the report. Teams have already gone to the school," said Sonali Matekar, education officer (Primary) of the zilla parishad.