A mathematics tutor at a private coaching center in Dehradun is under investigation after allegedly forcing an 18-year-old student from Meghalaya to do 400 sit-ups as punishment for talking in class. The incident, which reportedly occurred on July 4th, 2025, has led to the student's hospitalization due to severe leg and back pain, swelling, and muscle spasms.

According to the complaint filed by the student's father, the family initially hesitated to involve the police, hoping the institute would address the matter appropriately. However, they decided to seek police intervention due to the continued physical and mental trauma suffered by the student and the institute's alleged inaction. The father also claimed that the institute did not respond to repeated emails and written complaints. Instead, he received "intimidating calls from the institute's legal counsel, and the student was pressured to return to class, causing further distress".

Police have registered a case against the teacher under BNS section 117(2), which pertains to voluntarily causing grievous hurt. Inspector Pradeep Rawat, in charge of the Vasant Vihar police station, confirmed that the investigation is underway. "Statements of the victim and his father have been recorded. CCTV footage of the classroom has also been preserved," Rawat stated. The police have said that they are thoroughly investigating the matter and will take further action based on the evidence gathered.

The student, who had come from Shillong to prepare for the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance exam, was reportedly scolded along with a friend for talking during class. The teacher then allegedly instructed the student to perform 400 sit-ups, while the other student was not punished. The student's condition worsened to the point where he was unable to walk due to the pain and swelling but initially did not inform his family out of fear. He is currently receiving care at a PG near the academy.

This incident is not the first instance of alleged student mistreatment in Dehradun. In June 2025, a boarding school in Patel Nagar faced accusations of sexually abusing two minors with mental challenges. Furthermore, in September 2024, a prominent case involving ragging and sexual harassment, involving the daughter of a retired Assam Police officer, surfaced at a leading school in Dehradun. These repeated cases have sparked public concern and calls for stricter oversight and accountability within private educational institutions in the city.