PET teacher relieved from school for beating students with belt

Srinagar, Oct 22: A Physical Education Teacher (PET) posted at government Higher Secondary School (HSS) Ajas in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district was seen beating students both male and females during the school hours.

The teacher was caught beating the students with his belt through the CCTV footage of the school.

The school officials identified the teacher as Firdous Nabi Bhat who indulged in this act during the morning assembly of the school. As per the CCTV footage, the students, apparently the latecomers were seen standing in two queues and were beaten by the PET teacher with his belt which raised eyebrows on his conduct with the students.

Soon after the incident, the parents of the students were informed about the incident who later lodged a complaint in the office of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora.

Later in the evening, the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports suspended the PET Firdous Nabi Bhat following “serious allegations” of misconduct.

The parents after assessing the CCTV footage from the schools produced the same along with their complaint and demanded strict action against the teacher. As per the footage, the incident happened on October 18 of 2024 after some students arrived late in school.

Following the hue and cry, the teacher was immediately relieved from the school on recommendations of the District Youth Services and Sports Officer Bandipora.

In an official communication to Principal HSS Ajas Bandipora, the District Youth Services and Sports officer has stated that the decision to relieve the teacher from the school will ensure “safe and conducive environment for the students.”

“The department will also facilitate a thorough investigation into the matter,” the communication reads. The PET teacher in question has been directed to report to the Directorate of Youth Service and Sports “with immediate effect.”

The parents of the students enrolled in the school have demanded strict action against the PET teacher for beating students, particularly females with the belt. The parents have also demanded that the investigations into the case should be completed soon.