Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Teacher Suspended Over Alleged Tilak Torture Faces Police Questioning
A Class V student was allegedly troubled at school because he wore a tilak on his forehead.
A tilak is a mark some people wear for religious reasons.
The student’s parents complained to the government.
The teacher was suspended after the allegation was made.
Police have opened an investigation and may question the teacher next week.
They will also examine school security-camera footage.
The school says its footage does not show the teacher torturing the student for wearing the tilak.
A school committee may separately consider disciplinary action.
A teacher at Holy Mission English Medium School was suspended after allegations that she harassed and tortured a Class V student over wearing a tilak.
Police registered an FIR under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a bailable offence carrying up to three years in prison if convicted.
Investigators plan to review CCTV footage and question the teacher, the student’s parents, and other relevant parties.
The student’s parents complained to the chief minister’s office, alleging that the teacher repeatedly harassed the child and made him wash his face.
A school official said its CCTV footage showed no evidence that the student was tortured over wearing a tilak; the teacher may also face the school’s disciplinary committee.
- Who
- An unnamed suspended teacher, a Class V student, the student’s parents, school officials, and New Alipore police are involved.
- What
- Police are investigating allegations that the teacher harassed or tortured the student over wearing a tilak.
- When
- The teacher is likely to be questioned next week; the suspension was announced on Friday.
- Where
- Holy Mission English Medium School and New Alipore police station in New Alipore.
- Why
- The parents alleged that the student was repeatedly harassed over the tilak and forced to wash his face before class.
Parents’ Allegations
School’s Response
What happened to the student
Parents’ Allegations
The student’s parents accused the teacher of torturing him over wearing a tilak and making him wash his face before class.
School’s Response
A school official said the school’s CCTV footage did not suggest that the teacher tortured the student for wearing a tilak.
Disciplinary action
Parents’ Allegations
Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the teacher’s suspension after the allegations were raised.
School’s Response
The school said the police should investigate and indicated that its disciplinary committee would also examine the matter.
- School
- Holy Mission English Medium School in New Alipore
- Student
- Class V student
- Allegation
- The teacher allegedly harassed or tortured the student over wearing a tilak.
- Legal provision
- Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Maximum penalty
- Up to three years in prison if convicted
- Investigation
- Police will review CCTV footage and question the teacher and the student’s parents.
- School response
- A school official said its CCTV footage showed no evidence of torture over the tilak.