Patna: An eight-year-old boy was allegedly branded on the cheek with a hot ladle by a teacher at a hostel in Patna district after he ate biscuits in the teacher’s absence, police and family members said.
The incident took place at a coaching institute and hostel in Faridpur Bazaar under the Daniyawan police station area.
According to the child’s maternal uncle, Vishal Kumar, the boy, identified as Abhiraj Kumar, was staying at the hostel for his studies. On Thursday afternoon, the child allegedly ate biscuits that had been kept at the premises while the teacher was away.
Family members alleged that when the hostel operator and teacher, Umesh Kumar, returned and noticed the biscuits had been eaten, he became angry and punished the child by pressing a hot ladle against his cheek.
Child reportedly cried in pain after the incident
Relatives said the child was left writhing in pain following the incident. Other children staying at the hostel later informed the family about what had happened.
After receiving the information, the boy’s parents rushed to the hostel and took him for medical treatment.
Photographs circulating locally appeared to show burn injuries on the child’s face, though officials have not yet publicly confirmed the extent of the injuries.
Police begin investigation
The family has informed the local police station and demanded action against the accused teacher.
Police said an investigation into the allegations was under way.
The incident has sparked outrage locally, with residents and parents raising concerns about the treatment of children at residential coaching centres and hostels.
