Shillong, July 27: A teacher’s 400-time squatting punishment has injured a student from the city.
The incident was at a coaching centre for the National Defence Academy entrance in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
The student, who was hospitalised after the incident, is under medication and bedridden at home.
The parents filed an FIR seeking action.
According to the FIR lodged on July 14 with the Officer-in-Charge, Laban Police Station, here, the 18-year-old Varghav Barman was undergoing coaching in Centurion Defence Academy, Ballupur Chowk, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, in preparation for entrance exams.
On July 4, Barman was made to do squats for 400 times as he was found talking in the classroom by one faculty member of the Academy identified as Jay who teaches mathematics to the students, The next day on July 5, Barman was unable to walk due to severe pain and swelling on his legs and back as a result of which he was unable to attend his Saturday class. Battling with pain, he somehow managed to attend the classes on July 7 and 8 but experienced pain, cramps and spasms and had to be taken to the Orthopedic Surgeon by his paying guest owner.
“Our son refrained from informing us regarding the incident initially to avoid giving us pain and anxiety, until his condition worsened and he had to be taken to the doctor for treatment”, the FIR said.
The doctor prescribed heavy doses of pain killers, pain relief patches and other anti-inflammatory medicine.
“Due to inflammation and acute pain, our son is unable to walk, bedridden and is still limping with pain to do his normal activities. Further investigation and tests may be required to be done if no improvement is noted. The matter was brought to the notice of the authorities of the Academy via email dated 10.07.2025, demanding action against the said faculty member. The Institution acknowledged the same in their reply on the same date and expressed their apologies and concern regarding the incident that occurred in their institution. They acknowledged the fact that the said incident occurred in the Institution and that they have been made aware that one of their teachers behaved unacceptably towards our child, resulting in physical harm and further assured that strict action would be taken against the said person”, the FIR said. Sensing that no action was taken against the teacher, another email was sent on July 11 to the Academy demanding an apology letter from the wrong doer.
The parents wanted the Academy to be transparent regarding the action taken by providing them with copies of all correspondence made in this regard. However, no action has been taken against the teacher.
“Without receiving any cooperation from the Institute, the student has missed all his classes and has been suffering physically, mentally and emotionally. The incident has traumatised us and has caused much distress to us and has been causing anxiety for his well being especially taking into consideration the casual attitude of the Academy, which is obliged to take care of their students, prevent and protect them from incidents like this,” the FIR said.
In the complaint, the father of the student, Banajit Kumar Barman, said he received a call from their legal counsel, who spoke to him in an aggressive tone.
“A call was also received by my son immediately thereafter, and he was asked to come to the institution immediately for verification of documents. It is not sure as to what verification they were talking about since all formalities were already completed in April during the time of his admission since when the classes also resumed in the said Academy They also issued a message to my son asking him to resume for his classes from tomorrow since he had not informed regarding his absence in advance despite of knowing his condition. Then, thereafter, they made a second call asking for his address of stay, causing much panic and anxiety. I would like to inform you that the delay in lodging this FIR is because action against the said person, Shri Jay, was expected by the Institution on being assured by them, which they, however, failed. It is also to be mentioned here that on the premises of the Institute (Centurion Defence Academy), there are CCTV cameras installed, including in the classrooms. Under the circumstances stated above, I humbly request you to kindly take necessary action against the said person in this regard”, the FIR said.
When contacted by this reporter, the Academy informed that the officials will get back on Monday since no one was available on Sunday.
Police have already transferred the case to the respective police station in Dehradun for necessary action.
