Assault at Special Needs School Sparks Outrage in Maharashtra

An 18-year-old student with cognitive impairments was reportedly assaulted at a government-aided residential school in Latur, Maharashtra, triggering public outrage and legal proceedings. The incident took place at Sant Dnyaneshwar Matimand Nivasi Vidyalay, a school dedicated to children with intellectual disabilities, situated in Ahmedpur.

The matter surfaced when a video of the alleged assault was circulated online, leading District Disability Welfare Officer Santoshkumar Naikwadi to file a police complaint. The video, received on April 18, depicted the student being beaten at the school.

An investigation revealed that teacher Chakradhar Gangadharrao Shinde allegedly beat the disabled student while security guard Ram Tukaram Jadhav restrained him. As police sought to question Shinde and Jadhav, both became unreachable, switching off their phones. Legal charges have been filed against them under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.