SRINAGAR: A Physical Education Teacher (PET) at Government Higher Secondary School Ajas in Bandipora has once again come under fire, this time for allegedly using corporal punishment against students.
Eyewitnesses told Kashmir Dot Com that the teacher, identified as Firdous Nabi Bhat, beat both male and female students with a leather belt for arriving late by just two minutes to school. The incident occurred at 10:02 AM today, as captured by CCTV footage reviewed by the school administration and parents.
According to the footage, the teacher can be seen punishing students for their slight tardiness. Outraged parents, informed by their children about the incident, rushed to the school, where they and the school administration jointly assessed the CCTV footage to confirm the incident. The video clearly shows the teacher wielding a belt and beating students.
The parents and locals have since demanded immediate action against the accused teacher, citing a history of similar behavior. This is not the first time Firdous Nabi Bhat has been accused of misconduct.
In a related episode earlier in November 2023, Principal Nazir Ahmad Wani of GHSS Ajas Bandipora alleged that the same teacher attempted to assault him during a morning assembly.
The principal was addressing the school about discouraging corporal punishment when the PET reportedly became infuriated, hurling slurs and attempting to physically attack the principal. Following the incident, the teacher was officially relieved from the institution to preserve the school environment. However, despite being relieved, Firdous Nabi returned to the school and “attempted to hijack it,” according to the principal.
Firdous Nabi has denied all allegations and has claimed that the principal’s actions are unprofessional and violate court orders that had stayed a previous relieving order issued against him.
Efforts to contact the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Bandipora, regarding today’s incident were unsuccessful. However, when reached previously, he had assured an in-depth inquiry into the earlier accusations. The CEO had promised that appropriate action would be taken against anyone found at fault.
Attempts to reach Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Manzoor Qadri, for a comment on the matter were met with a dismissive response. He stated, “What’s the issue? If you are investigating this, do that—why are you calling me?” He referred the matter to the immediate officers on the scene.
The residents have now urged authorities to take swift and decisive action against the teacher to prevent further instances of misconduct and to ensure the safety and well-being of the students. (KDC)