Mumbai School Principal Booked Under BNS For Allegedly Beating Student 25 Times
A serious criminal case has emerged at St Mary’s High School in Kalina, where principal Father Joshua D’Souza has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Juvenile Justice Act for allegedly slapping a 15-year-old student nearly 25 times. The assault reportedly occurred during a Children’s Day event after a dispute about parental absenteeism. The student’s family documented injuries at Bhabha Hospital, rejected the principal’s apology, and filed an FIR at Vakola Police Station, triggering a full-scale investigation.
The alleged assault occurred during a Children’s Day event at the Santacruz school. Vakola Police registered the FIR after the student’s family refused to accept an apology. This case tests the implementation of India’s new legal framework.
Detailed Chronology of The Alleged School Assault
The confrontation began when the principal questioned the Class 10 student about his parents’ repeated absence from school meetings. Father D’Souza allegedly directed the student to sit separately at the Kalina school event. He demanded to know why the teenager’s parents consistently missed appointments.
The student explained his mother couldn’t find transportation from Kurla. The principal’s response was described as “harsh and threatening” in the official FIR. He allegedly declared he didn’t care if the parents walked from Kurla to Kalina.
This verbal confrontation preceded the physical assault allegations. The student claims he was then taken to the principal’s private office. What followed has now become a criminal investigation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita .
Inside the principal’s cabin, the situation turned physically violent according to police documents. Father D’Souza allegedly asked “What do you think of yourself?” before launching the assault. The student described approximately 25 slaps to his face and neck areas.
The FIR also documents one punch to the student’s stomach during the incident. After the beating, the principal allegedly issued a threatening ultimatum. He warned the teenager to leave the school premises within 15 minutes.
The threat included a promise of further violence if he remained. This entire incident allegedly occurred during a Children’s Day celebration event. The irony of timing has heightened community outrage about the case.
The student immediately reported the assault to his mother Santosh Kothari and cousin Amar Thakur after escaping the school. The family promptly took him to Bhabha Hospital for medical examination. Documentation of injuries became crucial evidence for police.
Four days later, the family confronted the principal at the Kalina school. Father D’Souza allegedly admitted he hit the student out of anger. He apologized and requested the family not to file a formal police complaint.
The family found this response inadequate and proceeded to Vakola Police Station. Their decision transformed an internal school matter into a criminal case. Now legal proceedings will determine the truth of these serious allegations.
School’s Defense and Legal Framework Analysis
St Mary’s High School administration has presented a different narrative through official spokesperson Father Nigel Barrett. He claims the student had accumulated multiple disciplinary violations before this incident. These included alleged misbehaviour during a school scout camp two months prior.
The school also cites previous property damage incidents involving the student. Father Barrett stated parents received repeated communications about these issues. According to the school, the parents never responded to these warnings.
On Children’s Day, the student allegedly entered premises without proper authorization. The school claims he was denied a pass due to his disciplinary record. This context explains why the principal initially engaged with the student.
The school spokesperson explicitly denies the physical assault allegations while acknowledging harsh words were exchanged. Father Barrett stated “To my knowledge, he did threaten and scold the boy, but never raised his hand.” This directly contradicts the student’s detailed account.
The school suggests the principal’s intervention was standard disciplinary practice. They emphasize the student’s pattern of behaviour warranted strong response. However, they draw the line at admitting any physical contact occurred.
CCTV footage from the principal’s office area remains inconclusive according to investigators. It shows the principal raising his hand but doesn’t clearly capture the alleged slapping. This evidentiary gap may complicate the legal proceedings.
Legal experts note the significance of charges under new legislation including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The BNS replaced the Indian Penal Code and represents India’s updated criminal framework. This case demonstrates its application in educational settings.
Sections 75 and 82 of the Juvenile Justice Act create special protections for children. They criminalize cruelty to children by those in positions of authority. The combination of charges reflects the seriousness of the alleged conduct.
The principal’s legal background adds another dimension to this case. He allegedly dared the family to file a case, claiming he would fight it as a lawyer. This confidence now faces its first test in the judicial system.
Also Read: Maharashtra Forest Scandal: Tribal Wage Theft Exposed.
Community Impact and Educational Policy Implications
The Kalina community has reacted strongly to these serious allegations with divided opinions emerging about the incident. Some community members have demanded the principal’s immediate suspension. They argue physical violence has no place in modern education.
Other parents acknowledge the student’s reported disciplinary history. They question whether school administrators have adequate tools for student discipline. This debate reflects broader discussions about educational methods in India.
Local residents report the principal spent an entire day at the police station. He subsequently obtained bail and awaits further legal proceedings. The case continues to generate discussion across Mumbai educational circles.
This incident raises critical questions about corporal punishment policies in Indian schools. While banned officially, many argue physical discipline continues covertly. The St Mary’s case brings this issue into public discourse again.
Educational experts note the psychological impact of such incidents on students. The alleged assault occurred during a celebration meant to honor children. This contradiction highlights the implementation gap between policy and practice.
India’s transition from traditional discipline to positive reinforcement methods remains ongoing. Cases like this accelerate conversations about necessary reforms in school management practices.
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team recommends several reforms including mandatory CCTV coverage in all school disciplinary areas. We also advocate for independent student grievance committees in all institutions. These measures could prevent future incidents.
Transparent disciplinary procedures with multiple adult witnesses would increase accountability. Teacher training in non-violent conflict resolution requires more investment. Student psychological support services also need strengthening.
As this case progresses through Mumbai’s legal system, it will establish important precedents. The outcome will influence how educational institutions across India approach student discipline. Our children’s safety and dignity must remain the priority.
