School teacher suspended for allegedly assaulting student in Kerala's Kannur

The General Education Department on Thursday suspended an upper primary school teacher for allegedly assaulting a Class two student at a government school in Pattannur in this north Kerala district, officials said. The suspended teacher has been identified as Vipin.

The action came after the Mattannur police registered a case in connection with the incident. Officials said the incident occurred on June 16 when the teacher allegedly assaulted the student of Government Upper Primary School, Pattannur, as part of a disciplinary action.

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The child was later admitted to a hospital, following which the hospital authorities informed Childline and the police about the incident. Based on a complaint lodged by the child's parents, the Mattannur police conducted a preliminary inquiry and registered a case, officials said.

Following an inquiry by Childline authorities, the Education Department placed the teacher under suspension and ordered a departmental inquiry. The department has also appointed an officer to conduct a detailed inquiry by recording the statements of students and teachers at the school. Further disciplinary action will be initiated based on the inquiry report, officials added.