A 12-year-old girl in Maharashtra, India, tragically died after her teacher allegedly forced her to do 100 sit-ups for arriving late to class. Kajal Gond, a sixth-grader in Vasai, reportedly carried her schoolbag while performing the punishment, which caused severe back pain. Her condition worsened at home, leading to hospitalisation in Nalasopara and later transfer to Mumbai’s JJ Hospital, where she passed away.
Her father, Sunil Gond, said: “She was crying in pain and kept saying she could not move her back. No child should be treated this way for being late.” The incident has sparked outrage among parents and community members, with local activists calling it cruel rather than disciplinary. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has demanded the school remain closed until criminal charges are filed, insisting that “justice must be served, and those responsible must face the law.”
Education advocates are also urging stronger enforcement of child protection laws and improved teacher training to prevent such tragedies in the future.
