Shocking video clips of a school Principal mercilessly caning "indisciplined" visually challenged boys in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district sparked a public outrage with the police on Monday arresting him and another school official.
The incident, which took place two days back, came to light today after local TV channels aired a video footage of the Principal, identified only as Srinivas - who is visually challenged - thrashing three boys of a private school for the blind with a stick in Kakinada town, police said.
The footage also showed the Principal pushing one of the boys to the wall with the help of the private school's Secretary KV Rao.
Srinivas and Rao were arrested on the basis of complaints of parents of the students, who suffered injuries, Neetu Kumar Prasad, East Godavari District Collector, told PTI by phone.
The district administration has temporarily taken over the management of the school, she said. The Collector, who along with senior district officials visited the school, run by a charitable trust, ordered an inquiry. "Once an inquiry report is submitted we will take necessary action against those involved in the incident," Kakinada Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) BR Ambedkar.
According to preliminary information, the Principal thrashed the students for their "indiscipline". The Principal was enraged as the students reportedly did not pay heed to his instructions and those of the secretary, and used to create disturbance in classes, a local police officer said.
The three boys, aged 9 to 13 years, are studying in Std 3 and 6 and hail from East Godavari and adjoining Guntur districts. They were admitted to a nearby hospital this afternoon for treatment, he said.
Srinivas and Rao were booked under relevant sections of IPC and Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act.
As the news of caning spread, agitated locals barged into the school premises and tried to manhandle the duo. Police immediately intervened and took them to police station, Kakinada Rural Circle Inspector P Raju said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said strict action will be taken against those found guilty. "I am feeling bad (about the incident)...I have directed police officers to take strict action. Such incidents should not be repeated," he said.
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