Tenkasi: A criminal case has been registered against a 44-year-old teacher at a government higher secondary school near Surandai, Tenkasi district, following allegations that she severely injured ten students with a cane. The incident occurred on July 20 at the V K Pudur Government Higher Secondary School, sparking outrage among parents and local authorities.
The accused, identified as Then Maria Suganthi, was reportedly conducting a special afternoon session for Class 11 students when she became agitated by noise emanating from an adjacent classroom. According to police reports, the teacher entered the neighboring room and proceeded to strike several Class 10 students with a cane. The assault resulted in visible injuries and severe trauma among the victims.
Following the incident, the students returned home and informed their parents, who immediately sought medical intervention. Two students required inpatient care at the Tenkasi Government Hospital for three days, while the remaining eight received treatment at nearby private clinics. Due to persistent swelling and physical pain, several victims have been unable to return to school or participate in their ongoing midterm examinations.
Initial inaction by school management prompted Rajathi, the mother of one of the injured students, to file a formal grievance with the District Collector. In her petition, she highlighted the academic impact on the children and demanded accountability for the teacher’s conduct. Acting on the complaint, the V K Pudur police officially booked the teacher, and a comprehensive investigation into the matter is currently underway.
