Overview
- Anshika/Kajal Gaud, a sixth-grader at Shri Hanumant Vidya Mandir in Vasai, died Friday night after her health worsened following an alleged punishment on November 8.
- Waliv police have registered an accidental death report and are awaiting the post-mortem before deciding on charges, according to inspector Gourakhnath Zaid.
- Block education officials have opened a formal inquiry, noting that corporal punishment is prohibited under the Right to Education framework.
- The family and MNS leaders allege the child was made to perform up to 100 sit-ups, reportedly with her schoolbag, and say pre-existing health issues may have compounded the harm.
- School staff dispute the causal link and the exact number of sit-ups, while the institution faces separate scrutiny for reportedly teaching beyond its recognition for classes above VIII as parents and activists protest.