Kerala school teacher removed after student collapses in class

A teacher at St. Joseph's UP School in Kunnoth, Kerala, has been temporarily removed from duty following allegations of mistreatment of a sixth-grade student who collapsed in the classroom after feeling dizzy.

The Thalassery Diocese Corporate Educational Agency, which runs the school, ordered the removal of Sister Linto Joseph and set up a special committee to investigate the incident.

The complaint, filed by the student's parents, alleges that the teacher asked the unconscious child whether she had "died" and kicked her. The child reportedly has fluctuations in blood sodium levels and takes medication regularly. Relatives said the school authorities were aware of her condition.

The incident occurred around noon on Wednesday, when classmates informed the head teacher. The class teacher allegedly questioned why the student had not told her directly, and is accused of kicking the child while she lay on the floor.

The parents later confronted the teacher, who initially denied the allegations. They then staged a protest at the school, demanding her dismissal.

School authorities denied that the teacher kicked or verbally abused the student. The teacher is understood to have admitted that she failed to handle the situation appropriately. The management has begun a formal inquiry.

The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter. Commission member B. Mohankumar registered the case and sought reports from the Deputy Director of Education, Kannur, and the Station House Officer of the Iritty police station.