Under pressure from all quarters following the alleged suicide of a student after being caned by the principal, the elite La Martiniere School for Boys in Kolkata on Friday banned corporal punishment. "No child will be subjected to physical punishment and mental torture and whoever contravenes such provisions, shall be construed a major violator of rules and if found guilty, shall be liable for disciplinary action," the school's board of governors said in a notification.
India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.
"It was a mistake. I have apologised to the school board and I am ready to face the consequences," Principal Sunirmal Chakravarthy said. He, however, said the caning should not be linked to the death of the class VIII student Rouvanjit Rawla on February 12. "I think it is stretching it a bit too far," he said.
Principal Sunirmal Chakravarti and three teachers -- Garnian, Partho Dutta and David Raun -- were arrested on Monday morning, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Damayanti Sen said. The class VIII student had killed himself on February 12, four days after being caned by the principal. He got the caning along with two other boys for playing truant, the principal had said
'It was not surprising that joining the armed forces was one of the priority professions that the students strived for. Probably, the training in school helped adjusting to the regimentalised life of the fauj.'
Air Marshal Denzil Keelor was an Indian Air Force legend. His nephew Basil Keelor, son of another war hero Wing Commander Trevor Keelor, remembers a remarkable officer and gentleman.
The West Bengal government on Thursday said it was formulating rules to ensure that schools do not create fear among students as physical and mental torture pose hindrance to their natural development.
With editing by school teachers and a preface written by eminent author Amitav Ghosh, the dream of a teenager to get his poems published has come true but only few months after he died mysteriously.
A Kolkata court on Monday upheld the order for the trial of the principal and three other teachers of La Martiniere for Boys School on charges of abetment to suicide in the case of Rouvanjit Rawla, who killed himself allegedly after being caned at the school.
The Kolkata Police said it is yet to question the principal of La Martiniere for Boys School, a day after he expressed regret for caning a 13-year-old student who allegedly committed suicide.
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Tuesday
For his 60th birthday in December, which he called his third 20th birthday, Mallya flew in Enrique Iglesias to perform at his villa overlooking the beach in Goa.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances