Mumbai Boy Burned by Tutor Over Bad Handwriting
In Malad East, Mumbai, an 8-year-old boy suffered a burn injury allegedly inflicted by his private tutor. The injury was reportedly caused as a form of punishment for poor handwriting during a tuition class.
Incident Overview
The Event occurred on the evening of July 28, 2025, at a tutoring lesson held at JP Dex Building, Gokuldham, located on Film City Road in Malad East. The accused tutor, identified as Rajshree Rathod, had been regularly teaching the child, Mohammad Hamza Khan, a Class 3 student from Lakshdham School.
Sequence of Events
On the day of the incident, Hamza was dropped off at the tuition class by his elder sister, Rubina, around 7:00 PM. Approximately two hours later, at 9:00 PM, the tutor called the child’s father, Mr. Mustakeen Gulam Rasool Khan, asking him to pick up his son. Mr. Khan then sent Rubina to bring Hamza home.
Upon arrival, Rubina discovered her younger brother crying and visibly distressed, with a burn injury on his right palm. When questioned, the tutor reportedly dismissed the injury, attributing it to the child’s attempt to avoid studying and calling it “drama.”
Allegation and Tutor’s Response
After reaching home, Hamza revealed to his father that his tutor had held his hand over a lit candle as punishment for poor handwriting. Shocked and disturbed, Mr. Khan confronted the tutor, who allegedly admitted to the act but claimed it was meant as a disciplinary measure. A heated exchange followed, during which Rathod allegedly used abusive language against the father.
Legal Action and Investigation
After the medical examination, the child’s father filed an official complaint at the Kurar Village Police Station. The police have lodged a case under the sections of :
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
- These sections cover voluntarily causing hurt and cruelty towards a minor.
Authorities have begun a formal investigation, and the case is currently ongoing.
Psychosocial Aspects
This tragic case highlights the often-overlooked risk factors in families experiencing prolonged domestic discord. Children in such environments are particularly vulnerable. Mental health support, counselling services, and community interventions are crucial in preventing such extreme outcomes.
Conclusion
The Malad child abuse case highlights the urgent need for stronger child protection policies, especially in informal or private educational settings. Corporal punishment of any kind is not only harmful but also illegal, with serious medical and emotional consequences for children. In this case, the reported burns could leave lasting scars, both physical and psychological. It also reveals a troubling failure in ethical responsibility by an educator. As the investigation continues, it’s crucial for legal, medical, and educational systems to work together to ensure justice for the child and to help prevent such incidents from happening again.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
