Maharashtra student, 10-minutes late to school, dies after teacher punishes her with 100 sit-ups

An incident has come to light from Vasai-East’s Sativali, Maharashtra where a 13-year-old girl died after being forced to perform 100 squats with a schoolbag on shoulder as punishment for arriving late to school. 

The victim, identified as Kajal Goud, a class 6 student of Shri Hanumant Vidya Mandir, Sativali, fell critically ill after the punishment by her teacher and passed away on Saturday night during treatment at JJ hospital in Mumbai. 

On November 8, several students arrived late, including Kajal. The teacher reportedly punished them with 100 squats. While many students stopped after doing 10–20 squats, Kajal, out of fear, completed the entire set with her schoolbag still on her shoulder.

After returning home, Kajal’s health suddenly deteriorated. She was first admitted to Aastha Hospital in Vasai, then shifted to another hospital, and finally transferred to JJ Hospital in Mumbai as her condition worsened. 

Despite treatment, she died around 11 pm on Saturday. Her family has accused the school management and teachers of negligence, claiming their irresponsible actions led to their daughter’s death. 

They have demanded a full inquiry and strict action against those responsible. Following the incident, many parents and students gathered near the school in protest.

Police have begun an inquiry at both the school and the hospitals involved. They confirmed that once they received information of the girl’s death at JJ Hospital, officers immediately reached the spot. The process of registering a case is underway.

After receiving the news officials from the Education Department also reached the school to collect information. 

Pandurang Galange, Vasai Group Education Officer, stated that a detailed investigation will be conducted and a report will be submitted. He added that the department regularly issues safety instructions to schools, and reminded that under the RTE Act 2009, any form of physical or mental punishment of students is strictly prohibited and considered a punishable offence.