Boy charged with murder of teacher gets two years term

, May 7: A class nine boy, charged with stabbing to death a 42-year-old woman teacher in a school here in 2012, was today ordered to spend two years in "special security government home" by the Juvenile Justice Board.

The board, which delivered its verdict in the case, wasunanimous in its decision that it was not a sentence but a reformative procedure to help him get back with his life. The board headed by Chairman S T Lakshmi Ramesh and members Girija Kumarbabu and S Isabel said the boy would be provided a chance for reflection and realisation of the meaning of life.

After considering the (observation home) probation's officers report, the family conditions and his character and antecedents, "this board feels the present nature of offence is not fit to be admonished" they said adding other measures like performing community service or imposition of fine on his parents would not change his attitude. Releasing him on probation of good conduct under the care of his parents would not change his behavioural pattern either, said the board sending him to two years in the "special security special government home."

The boy, a student of a higher secondary school in the city, had stabbed his science teacher Uma Maheswari on February 22, 2012. Maheswari was sitting in another class on the first floor of a three-storeyed building when the boy stormed in with a knife around 10.30 AM.

He inflicted several deep gashes on her face, neck and abdomen. The teacher succumbed to the injuries before she could reach hospital. After being apprehended and handed over to the police, the juvenile said he was angry at Maheshwari for scolding him.

Despite today's verdict, there was no clear direction from the board on the nature of the crime - whether it was premeditated or done in the heat of the moment. The police had earlier hinted that the murder was planned as the juvenile had brought the knife to school wrapped in a brown paper. The board also directed the district child protection unit to provide the boy with psychological counselling.

It would also ensure he completed his Class XII exams. He would also be entitled to leave and regular visits from his parents. As there was no special security government home in the state, the board requested the state government to provide such a facility with adequate infrastructure and personnel. Until it was established, he had to stay at the special home at Chenglepet, said the board.

PTI