Six-year-old dies after teacher slap in Visakhapatnam, minister vows action

Police said the child collapsed and died while the teacher was scolding him, due to his "highly sensitive mentality," according to a press release. School management said action would be taken against the teacher. The family remained unaware of details. The relative said rumors that the school paid the family to settle the matter were false. The father of the deceased child said, "The family has neither taken money nor done anything wrong. They are yet to come to terms with the loss of the child."

Police conducted an inquest on August 20. A medical officer performed a post-mortem examination and handed over the body to relatives. The exact cause of death awaits the report from the Pathology Department of King George Hospital.

Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh termed the death "deeply distressing." On X, he wrote, "As a father, I can't get over what happened to little Pranay Tej. I cannot imagine the pain his parents are going through. Corporal punishment has no place in our schools. No child should ever be subjected to violence in the name of discipline." He said he had directed a full investigation and strict action against anyone found responsible.

The School Education Department called the incident "extremely unfortunate and distressing." A three-member committee has been formed. The committee includes the Visakhapatnam Regional Joint Director and the District Education Officer. The Revenue Divisional Officer is also part of the panel. TDP State President Palla Srinivasa Rao offered condolences and said the committee would go deep into the incident. He advised schools to check student health and maintain adequate health records.

A case was registered under section 194 of the BNSS, which deals with suspicious death.