In Durg, Chhattisgarh, a school principal has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a three-and-a-half-year-old nursery student for greeting her with "Radhe Radhe". The incident occurred on Wednesday morning at Mother Teresa English Medium School in Bagdumar village, which falls under the Nandini police station's jurisdiction.
The principal, identified as Ila Evan Colvin, is accused of hitting the child and sealing her mouth with tape. According to reports, the child greeted the principal with "Radhe Radhe," a traditional Hindu salutation, which allegedly prompted an aggressive response. The principal purportedly slapped the child, taped her mouth shut for approximately 15 minutes, and subjected her to additional physical punishment.
After returning home, the young girl, visibly distressed, recounted the incident to her parents. Her father, Praveen Yadav, promptly filed a complaint at the Nandini Police Station. Authorities noted visible injuries on the child's body, corroborating the allegations of physical assault.
ASP Tanwar stated that while discipline is essential, the principal's actions were excessive and unjustified. He confirmed the principal's arrest and the registration of a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Ila Evan Colvin has been arrested under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 115(2) and 299 as well as section 75 of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act for causing hurt, outraging religious feelings, cruelty to children, and other offences.
The incident has ignited strong reactions throughout the district. Members of the Bajrang Dal gathered at the police station shortly after the complaint was filed, demanding strict action against the school administration and accusing them of promoting religious discrimination under the guise of discipline.