A bizzare incident occurred at Berigopalpur Adarsha High School in Gaighata, about 65km from Kolkata, on Wednesday. A seventh class student was stripped by her teacher for not maitaining the dress code as warned by the teacher. The case was informed by the local police on Thursday. As per the complaint launched the teacher was annoyed with three girls who were not in uniform as warned by her. The 13-year-old victim who was absent on Monday and Tuesday argued with the teacher that her ignorance was due to her absence. Infuriated by this explanation the teacher tore the leggings of the girl infront of the co-ed class and asked the three to walk out. In the evening too the teacher refused to give the legging to the girl, inspite of repeated requests. The girl walked back home in shame.
The incident shook all the students present in the class of the government school. They went home and expressed their fear over the issue to the parents. Early on Thursday most parents gathered near the school and protested against the action. The father of the victim registered a complaint in the local police station.
However the disgusting issue was Headmaster Swapan Bala dismissed it as a "minor incident". And also expressed that some people are blowing things out of “proportions.” But onlookers felt embarassed with callous behaviour of the school in-charge. However the teacher escapped by submitting an apology. And the parents were “forced” to submit a letter that matters were “sorted out”.
The sole solace is the assurance given by the Education minister Bratya Basu. She has ordered an inquiry into the incident, by the district inspector of schools, North 24-Parganas. "If the teacher is found guilty, action will be taken against her," Basu said.
However there were two things to be considered in the incident say sources. The first issue is it was a government school and a co-ed too. The way the punishment would have an everlasting impact on the girl and will she be able to meet her classmates, after such a gruesome incident, seems questionable. Second issue is, about the `minor incident' theory proposed by the school in-charge......... (With inputs from internet- AW AarKay)
