Mahanga case raises questions over safety of children with disabilities in Cuttack schools
CUTTACK: A differently-abled girl student at Siripur Primary School under Mahanga police limits has sustained an injury to her left eye, and her father has lodged a complaint alleging that a lady teacher physically assaulted her while she was at school, police and local education authorities said.
According to the complaint filed at Mahanga police station, the girl was beaten in school and subsequently suffered the eye injury that alarmed her family. The father sought formal action against the teacher and requested a thorough probe into the circumstances that led to the injury.
The accused teacher has denied the allegation. In a statement recorded by investigators, she said she "did not assault the student at all," rejecting claims that she caused the girl's eye injury.
"I did not assault the student at all," the teacher said, denying the charge she caused the girl's eye injury.
An officer at the sub‑divisional police office (SDPO) confirmed that an investigation will be launched to ascertain facts and that strict action will follow if the allegations are proved. Education department officials are expected to co‑operate with the police inquiry to determine the exact sequence of events at the school.
The incident has highlighted wider concerns over the protection and treatment of children with disabilities in educational institutions across the district. Local child welfare advocates and parents have long urged better monitoring and specialised training for staff handling vulnerable pupils, though it is not clear from the complaint whether any specialised arrangements were in place for the student involved in this case.
- Location: Siripur Primary School, Mahanga police limits, Cuttack district.
- Allegation: Physical assault by a lady teacher resulting in left eye injury to a differently-abled girl student.
- Action so far: Complaint lodged by the father at Mahanga police station; SDPO has said an investigation will be conducted.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant | Father of the student (name not provided in complaint summary) |
| Accused | Lady teacher at Siripur Primary School (name not provided) |
| Investigating agency | Mahanga police station; SDPO overseeing investigation |
| Current status | Investigation pending; education authorities to examine circumstances |
Local residents and parents said the case has renewed calls for stricter oversight in primary schools, especially where children with special needs are enrolled. Advocates emphasised the need for clear reporting mechanisms, regular training in inclusive classroom management, and routine health checks so injuries are properly recorded and medical care delivered promptly.
Practical steps parents and school authorities in Cuttack can take immediately include:
- Ensuring guardians are informed promptly if a child reports pain or shows signs of injury.
- Requesting a medical examination and documented injury report from a qualified health facility.
- Asking schools to produce their child‑protection policy and details of staff training in handling children with disabilities.
- Filing formal complaints with the police and the district education office if there are safety concerns.
Officials have not released further details such as the age of the student or whether a medical report has been produced; the outcome of the police probe will clarify the cause of the injury and whether disciplinary or criminal proceedings are warranted. The SDPO reiterated that strict action will be taken if the allegations are substantiated.
This incident comes amid growing attention to safeguarding policies in schools across Odisha. For families of children with disabilities in Cuttack district, it underlines the importance of vigilance, clear communication with teachers and prompt escalation to authorities when incidents occur.
Further developments in the investigation and any administrative measures by the education department will be reported as they emerge from Mahanga police station and district officials.
