PANAJI/MAPUSA
The Children’s Court on Thursday granted conditional bail to the two private school teachers at Camurlim Sujal Gawade and Kanisha Gadekar in an assault case.
They have been released on a surety of Rs 25,000 each besides compliance with other conditions set by the court. Both are charged with allegedly assaulting a Class IV student over a petty issue wherein he tore two pages from a book. He was treated at Mapusa Hospital.
The incident prompted parents and activists to demand an FIR and the arrest of the two teachers. The Colvale Police arrested them on September 5.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was quoted saying that even if these two teachers are dismissed, it doesn’t matter. “We are serious about this issue, and such brutal action on a student will not be tolerated. We are taking the strictest action possible,” he said. The CM also denied any lethargy by police during the investigation.
Hearing of teachers, management postponed to Sept 16
The Education Department has postponed the hearing involving the management of Shree Saraswati Vidyamandir Primary School in Camurlim and two teachers accused of assaulting a nine-year-old student.
The hearing, initially scheduled for September 12, will now take place on September 16, according to Director of Education Shailesh Zingde. Zingde stated that the postponement was necessary as both the teachers and the school management are required to be present for the joint hearing. "The hearing will now be held on Monday, where further actions will be discussed," he added.
The two teachers, Sujal Gawade from Verem and Kanisha Gadekar from Pirna, were arrested on September 5 after allegedly assaulting a Class IV student, causing multiple injuries.
The teachers were suspended by the school’s management following directives from the Education Department. The student reportedly sustained bruises, cut marks, and blood clots after one of the teachers allegedly struck them with a steel ruler.
The teachers were initially charged under Section 8 of the Goa Children's Act and provisions of the BNS, with additional charges under Section 82 of the Juvenile Justice Act later added.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with many calling for strict action against the accused. The postponed hearing is expected to determine the next steps in the investigation and any potential disciplinary measures.
