Srinagar teacher slaps student repeatedly; video of incident viral

SRINAGAR: A video purportedly showing a teacher repeatedly slapping a student at a Srinagar coaching centre went viral, causing uproar on social media and prompting police to file a complaint.

Fayaz Ahmad Wagay, the teacher in question, is seen repeatedly slapping the student in the 44-second video.

Wagay seemed angry that the student had not asked for his permission, though it was unclear for what purpose.

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Wagay told national media that he had the student's best interests at heart but had lost influence. “I'm worried about these students' studies, but I lost control and slapped him by accident.”

Raees Hussain, the in-charge of Srinagar's Saddar police station confirmed that the police have registered a case.

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The centre's managing director has also been summoned to appear before the additional district magistrate in Srinagar today and record a statement about the slapping.

“This horrendous action has created a huge outcry among the local population and might have left [an] immense psychological impact on the student,” the court said in the summon.

It cited the Right to Education Act and added it prescribes disciplinary action over corporal punishment.

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Wagay and the coaching centre have been recommended for strict action by Srinagar's chief education officer.

Moreover, the Kashmir Coaching Centres Association has formed a committee to investigate the incident and make recommendations so that it does not happen again.

"We condemn the incident, but it is important not to oversimplify it. People have launched a witch hunt against the teacher and the coaching institute, both of whom have a good reputation,” it said.

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