Class 6 Girl Dies: A heartbreaking incident from Maharashtra’s Palghar district has shocked parents, teachers, and the entire education community. A Class 6 student from a private school died nearly a week after she was allegedly forced to perform 100 sit-ups as punishment for arriving late to school. The case has now triggered a detailed investigation by the authorities.
This incident has brought back an old debate: How safe are children in schools? And should physical punishment ever be used as discipline?
What Happened?
The student, identified as Anshika Gaud, studied in Class 6 in a private school located in the Vasai area of Palghar district. According to reports, the incident occurred on 8 November, when Anshika and four other students arrived late to school.
As punishment, Anshika was allegedly told to perform 100 sit-ups, and her school bag was reportedly kept on her back while doing so. Her mother claims that the punishment was extremely harsh.
After this punishment, Anshika experienced severe pain:
- She complained of neck pain
- Her back started hurting badly
- She reportedly said she was unable to stand properly
Her condition continued to worsen over the next few days. She was later shifted to a hospital in Mumbai where, despite treatment, she passed away on Friday night, almost a week after the punishment.
Mother’s Allegations
Anshika’s mother has made serious allegations against the school. She claims:
- Her daughter was punished in an inhuman way
- The teacher forced her to do 100 sit-ups
- The bag was placed on her back during the punishment
- Her daughter’s health deteriorated immediately after this
The mother also confronted the teachers at the school. She says the teacher told her that such punishments were given because:
“Parents often complain that even after paying fees, teachers are not strict enough.”
However, the mother argued that discipline is important, but punishing a child so harshly that it affects her health is not acceptable at all.
Did the Student Already Have Health Problems?
Some political leaders have claimed that Anshika may have had pre-existing health issues. A Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader, Sachin More, said that the girl already had some medical condition.
If this claim is true, it raises an even bigger concern: Should the school have used a physically heavy punishment on a child who may not have been medically fit? But at this moment, these claims are not confirmed, and the real cause will only be known after the investigation is completed.
School’s Reaction
The school staff has given a different version. A teacher reportedly said:
- It is not confirmed whether Anshika really performed 100 sit-ups.
- They are not sure if her death was caused by the punishment.
- It may also be due to some other medical reason.
This shows that there are conflicting statements. That is why the authorities have started a full investigation.
What Are Authorities Doing?
According to the Block Education Officer, Pandurang Galange, a detailed inquiry has been ordered. He said they are collecting:
- Statements from teachers
- Statements from students
- Statements from parents
- CCTV footage (if available)
Interestingly, no police FIR has been filed yet, because officials want to examine the investigation report first.
However, parents’ groups and local leaders are demanding:
- A criminal case against the school
- Suspension of responsible teachers
- Strong action to prevent such incidents in future
A Community in Shock
After this news went public, parents across Maharashtra expressed deep shock and anger. Social media is full of messages questioning:
- Why are children still receiving physical punishments in 2025?
- Why do some schools believe strictness means physical suffering?
- Are schools becoming unsafe for children?
Many parents also raised concerns that schools sometimes do not inform families immediately when a child is punished or injured.
Corporal Punishment: A Serious Issue
In India, corporal punishment (physical punishment) is banned in schools.
The Right to Education (RTE) Act clearly says:
“No child should be subjected to physical or mental harassment.”
Despite this, many teachers still follow old methods:
- Sit-ups
- Hitting with scale
- Making children stand outside classrooms
- Verbal abuse
- Excessive homework as punishment
This case is one of the most severe examples, as it may have resulted in the loss of a young life.
Why Did This Happen? Key Questions
This incident raises many important questions:
Is punishment for coming late justified?
Children may come late due to many reasons:
- Transportation issues
- Family emergencies
- Health problems
- Traffic
Punishing them physically may not solve anything.
Why was the punishment so severe?
Even adults struggle to do 100 sit-ups.
For a young girl, this is excessive, unsafe, and cruel.
Why did the school not take the child to a doctor immediately?
If her condition worsened after the punishment, the school should have:
- Notified the family instantly
- Provided first-aid
- Suggested medical check-up
Why is there no FIR yet?
Many people want to know why the police have not registered a case despite the seriousness of the matter.
Is the School Responsible?
Legally and morally, a school is responsible for:
- Student’s safety
- Student’s physical and emotional well-being
- Ensuring no harmful punishment is used
If the investigation proves that the punishment directly or indirectly caused her death, then the school could face:
- Criminal charges
- Suspension of staff
- Heavy penalties
- Loss of recognition
The Bigger Picture: Protecting Children
This tragedy teaches us that:
- Children are fragile
- Their bodies cannot handle extreme physical pressure
- Teachers must use positive discipline, not harsh punishment
Better ways of discipline include:
- Counseling
- Talking to parents
- Extra classes
- Gentle warnings
Painful punishment is not discipline, it is violence.
The death of this Class 6 girl is not just a personal tragedy for her family. It is a wake-up call for:
- Schools
- Teachers
- Parents
- Education authorities
It reminds us that children must be protected inside schools as much as inside homes.
A school is meant to be a place of learning, safety, and emotional growth, not fear and suffering.
As the investigation continues, people are hoping for:
- Truth
- Accountability
- Justice for Anshika
- Better safety rules for all students
This incident should lead to stronger policies so that no other child has to suffer because of harsh, outdated, or dangerous punishments.
Educate for Humility and True Devotion
The tragic incident in a Maharashtra school, where a young girl lost her life after being punished with 100 sit-ups, shows how harshness and excessive discipline have entered our education system. In such moments, the teachings of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj offer a guiding light. He explains that the real purpose of education is not to suppress children with fear or punishment, but to develop compassion, kindness, humility, and devotion to the Supreme God.
If schools, teachers, and institutions followed the principles of non-violence, love, and gentle conduct taught by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, such painful incidents could be prevented. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasizes that children are a divine form, and harming them or giving them harsh punishments is a sin. Their learning should be rooted in affection, understanding, and patient guidance.
The teachings of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj can help society move toward an education system where schools become centers of values and safety, not fear and physical punishment.
Also Read: China’s New Education Rules Focus on Student Wellbeing — Phone Ban, Homework Limits & Outdoor Hours
FAQs : Palghar school incident
1. What exactly happened in the Palghar school incident?
A Class 6 girl was allegedly punished with 100 sit-ups for coming late to school. Her health worsened afterward, and she died a few days later.
2. Where did the incident take place?
At a private school in the Vasai area of Palghar district, Maharashtra.
3. What punishment was given to the student?
She was reportedly made to perform 100 sit-ups, possibly with her school bag on her back.
4. When did she pass away?
She died in a Mumbai hospital almost a week after the punishment.
5. Is the school responsible for her death?
An investigation is ongoing. If punishment caused her condition to worsen, the school may face strict action.
6. Has an FIR been filed?
As of now, no FIR has been filed. Authorities are waiting for investigation reports.
7. What do parents and locals demand?
They want strict action against the responsible teachers and a ban on physical punishment in schools.
