Mumbai police arrested a tuition teacher for allegedly burning the hand of an 8-year-old student with a candle as punishment for poor handwriting. The incident took place on July 28 at the residence of the teacher in Malad East, Mumbai.
The tutor, identified as Rajshree Rathore, allegedly punished the boy, Mohammad Hamza Khan, a Class 3 student at Lakshadham School, by holding his right hand over a lit candle. According to officials, the boy had been attending private evening tuition classes at Rathore’s house for several months. On the evening of the incident, Hamza was at her residence for his regular session from 7 PM to 9 PM.
His sister had dropped him off as part of their daily routine. At around 9 PM, Rathore reportedly called Hamza’s father, Mustakeen Khan, informing him that the child was crying and needed to be picked up immediately. Once home, the child told his parents that he was burned because his handwriting did not meet the teacher’s expectations.
The child was initially taken to a local doctor for first aid and was later shifted to Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital (Shatabdi) for further medical evaluation. His parents then approached Sakinaka Police Station and lodged a complaint.
Based on the complaint, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 324 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means. They also invoked relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
Rajshree Rathore was arrested on July 30. She was produced before a court and has been granted bail. The police have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the full sequence of events and collect additional evidence.
Officials have not disclosed whether Rathore has been involved in similar complaints in the past. The child is currently recovering from the injuries, and counseling support is being considered as part of follow-up care.
The case has drawn public attention to the use of extreme disciplinary measures in educational settings. While the investigation continues, authorities are also assessing whether further legal provisions apply.
(Rh/Eth/DJR/MSM/SE)