A sixth-grade student in Punganur, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, suffered a skull fracture after her Hindi teacher allegedly hit her on the head with a school bag containing a steel tiffin box. The incident occurred on September 10, 2025, inside her classroom at Bhashyam School.
The girl, identified as Sathvika Nagasri, first complained of severe headaches and dizziness. She was initially treated at a local hospital but later referred to a private hospital in Bengaluru, where a CT scan confirmed the fracture. Doctors noted that the injury was consistent with blunt force trauma, and she was kept under close neurological observation.
Following this, her parents lodged a formal complaint with police, prompting authorities to register a case against the teacher, Saleema Basha, and the school principal.
The incident reportedly took place after Sathvika allegedly committed mischief in class. Police said the teacher struck her in anger, ignoring school guidelines against corporal punishment.
Her mother, Vijetha, who also works at the school, initially did not realise the severity of the injury. When the child’s condition worsened, she was rushed to nearby hospitals before being transferred to Bengaluru for advanced care.
Medical authorities confirmed the skull fracture, and the student is now recovering under close observation.
A study titled “Skull fracture and haemorrhage pattern among fatal and nonfatal head injury assault victims” analyzed 91 cases of head injuries caused by intentional assaults. The research found that blunt trauma to the skull, especially involving objects like sticks or hard surfaces, can result in serious fractures and, in some cases, life-threatening complications.
Even a single blow to the skull can lead to serious injury, emphasizing the need for strict supervision and safety in school environments. 1
Authorities have registered a formal case against the teacher and the school principal. The FIR includes charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to assault on a minor and endangering life. Police are investigating the circumstances of the assault, including whether school protocols and supervision contributed to the incident.
Officials have stated that the role of the school management is also being examined, and further disciplinary or legal action may follow depending on the findings. The school management has reportedly been cooperating with police inquiries to clarify the events that led to the injury.
The incident has sparked outrage among parents and residents in Punganur. Many have called for stricter enforcement of laws against corporal punishment in schools and better monitoring of teacher conduct. Local parent associations have also demanded that the education department review safety standards and issue fresh directives to all schools in the district.
References:
1. Chattopadhyay, Saurabh, and Chandrabhal Tripathi. “Skull Fracture and Haemorrhage Pattern among Fatal and Nonfatal Head Injury Assault Victims – A Critical Analysis.” Journal of Injury and Violence Research 2, no. 2 (2010): 45–51. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3134909/
(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)