A tragic case from Vasai, Maharashtra, has raised nationwide outrage after a Class 6 student died days after allegedly being punished with 100 sit-ups for being late to school.
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A tragic case from Vasai, Maharashtra, has raised nationwide outrage after a Class 6 student died days after allegedly being punished with 100 sit-ups for being late to school.
A tragic case from Vasai, Maharashtra, has raised nationwide outrage after a Class 6 student died days after allegedly being punished with 100 sit-ups for being late to school. The 12-year-old girl, Anshika Gaud, reportedly performed the sit-ups with her school bag on her back, intensifying the physical strain.
According to the family, the punishment left her in severe pain. She complained of intense discomfort in her back and abdomen shortly after returning home. Over the following days, her condition worsened significantly, prompting her family to rush her to a local hospital. As her health deteriorated further, she was moved to another medical facility in Mumbai, but despite treatment, she later passed away.
The incident has sparked widespread anger among local communities and political groups, who have condemned the act as “cruel” and “inhuman”. They argue that such harsh physical punishment has no place in schools and violates basic child safety standards. Community leaders have demanded strict action against those responsible and called for stronger enforcement of child protection guidelines in educational institutions.
Authorities have now opened a formal investigation into the incident. The education department is reviewing witness statements, school records and medical findings to determine the exact circumstances that led to the girl’s death. Officials have indicated that the school could face serious penalties if negligence or misconduct is confirmed.
The tragedy has reignited national debate around disciplinary norms in Indian schools. While many institutions have adopted child-friendly disciplinary policies, cases like this highlight the persistence of outdated punitive practices that can endanger students’ wellbeing. Experts stress that punishments involving extreme physical effort are unsafe — especially for younger children — and can lead to long-term injury or, as in this case, fatal consequences.
Parents and education advocates are now urging authorities to reinforce training for teachers, emphasising safe behaviour management techniques that do not involve physical exertion or humiliation. They also call for increased monitoring of disciplinary practices to ensure student safety remains the highest priority.
As the community mourns the loss of young Anshika, her death stands as a painful reminder of the urgent need for reform. Schools across the country are under pressure to revisit their disciplinary procedures and adopt approaches that protect children rather than put them at risk.
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