PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reiterated the government’s zero tolerance to corporal punishment in schools while assuring the two teachers “- Sujal Gawade and Kanisha Gadekar -- will face the law in the strictest possible way.
He also refuted allegations of police inaction, stating that the ongoing investigation will not be compromised.
“Even if these two teachers are dismissed, it doesn’t matter. We are serious about this issue, and such brutal action on a student will not be tolerated. We are taking the strictest action possible,” Sawant, also Education Minister, said during a press conference on Thursday.
He criticised the teachers’ harsh response to a minor issue where the Class IV student allegedly tore two pages from a book.
To allegations levelled by Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar -- the local MLA -- about police negligence, Sawant denied any lapse in the investigation by the Colvale Police. Halarnkar, who was present at the briefing, retracted his demand to suspend the Police Inspector and the Investigation Officer, agreeing with the CM that the police were following proper procedures.
Sawant further clarified that, according to police procedure, a woman cannot be arrested after evening hours. He explained the duo was called for questioning the next day and subsequently arrested. “The police are building a strong case to ensure punishment in court,” he added.
Sawant also revealed that the parents of the victim were initially hesitant to file a complaint, fearing retaliation against their child. However, a police constable, who saw the child being treated for serious bruises at Mapusa Hospital, alerted his higher-ups. “The parents were scared and we have their statements too,” he added.
