UP Muslim Boy Slapped By Fellow Classmates, Unable to Sleep, Say Parents

A Muslim student in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, was slapped by his classmates at the behest of their teacher, Tripta Tyagi. The boy's parents took him to Meerut for a medical examination on Sunday after he was unable to sleep due to the distress caused by the incident.

Despite his unease, the parents conveyed that the boy's condition is stable, according to reports from news agency PTI.

The boy's father disclosed that due to his unsettling experience, exacerbated by numerous inquiries from various sources, including reporters, regarding the incident at Neha Public School, the boy experienced distress and insomnia. He stated, "After complaining of being upset and not able to sleep throughout last night on Saturday, the boy was brought to Meerut for a check-up. The doctor said the boy was normal."

When questioned about any potential resolution with the involved teacher, Tripta Tyagi, the father categorically stated that there would be no compromise in this matter.

Meanwhile, Muzaffarnagar Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Shubham Shukla outlined that the boy could be admitted to a government primary school provided his parents agreed to it.

Shukla elaborated, "The father of the boy who was slapped does not want his son to continue his studies there (Neha Public School). The block education officer spoke to the boy, and he expressed his willingness to study in the government primary school in the village. On Monday, his enrollment will be done in the government school, provided his family is willing to do so."

Regarding this proposed enrollment, the boy's father mentioned that the family has yet to decide due to the child's emotional state.

Shukla clarified that the private school in Khabbupur village will remain open and continue its regular educational activities. The BSA highlighted that the school's affiliation status needs clarification within a month.

Furthermore, Shukla indicated that the education department will take action against teacher Tyagi post the police investigation and appropriate legal steps.

Additionally, the BSA mentioned that the block education officer will visit Neha Public School on Monday to arrange for the students who wish to continue their studies there.

Amid widespread outrage, Tyagi, the teacher accused of making communal remarks and instructing her students to slap the Muslim classmate over unfinished homework, was officially booked by the police on Saturday. The charges were made based on a complaint from the boy's family under IPC sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), both of which are non-cognizable offenses. These charges are bailable and do not result in immediate arrest, requiring a warrant.

In her defense, Tyagi asserted that the video evidence has been manipulated to incite tensions. She claimed that the video was filmed by an uncle of the boy.

In the face of this incident, Kerala's Minister of General Education, V Sivankutty, penned a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding stringent action in response to the student ill-treatment case in Muzaffarnagar. Sivankutty urged for immediate measures against those responsible for promoting divisive actions within an educational institution, and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and emotional well-being of the affected students.