Tragedy in the Classroom: Six-Year-Old’s Death Reignites India’s Debate on Corporal Punishment

VISAKHAPATNAM, India – What began as a routine Thursday for six-year-old Pranay Teja ended in a devastating loss that has sent shockwaves across India. After failing to complete his homework, the young kindergarten student was allegedly slapped by his teacher, a single act of violence that led to his immediate collapse and subsequent death.

For his father, Krishna Prasad, who works as a cook, the nightmare began with a midday phone call informing him that his son had been rushed to a public hospital. By the time Prasad arrived at King George Hospital, his son was gone.

Grainy CCTV footage from the classroom captures the final, harrowing moments: Teja standing in a queue, visibly distressed and seemingly pleading with his teacher. The educator pulls the child toward her and strikes him; within seconds, the boy collapses. While other staff members reportedly attempted CPR before rushing him to the hospital, Teja was declared dead on arrival.

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