Visakhapatnam, August 21, 2026: A young schoolboy’s death in Visakhapatnam has sparked outrage after CCTV footage reportedly showed a teacher slapping and reprimanding him shortly before he collapsed inside his classroom. The family of the child has alleged that the teacher assaulted him over incomplete homework, while police are investigating the exact cause of his death.
CCTV Footage Shows Child Being Reprimanded
The incident occurred at a private school in the Town Kotha Road area under the One-Town police station limits. Reports have identified the child as T Pranay Tej, with some reports describing him as a five-year-old UKG student and others as a six-year-old LKG student.
According to reports, the teacher was checking the students’ homework when the boy was questioned about his incomplete work. CCTV footage reportedly shows the child crying and appearing distressed before the teacher adjusts his clothing and slaps him. Moments later, the child collapses into the teacher’s lap and becomes unresponsive.
Parents Allege Teacher Assault Led to Boy’s Death
The child’s parents have alleged that their son was assaulted by the teacher because he had not completed his homework. They have demanded action against both the teacher and the school management.
The family reportedly said the child was reluctant to attend school that morning because his homework was incomplete. After the incident, he was taken for medical treatment but was declared dead. The exact medical cause of death, however, is yet to be officially established.
Chinmayi Sripaada Reacts
Singer Chinmayi Sripaada reacted strongly to the incident and the reported CCTV footage, recalling harsh forms of punishment that students were subjected to in the past.
In a social-media post, Chinmayi criticised the culture of humiliating and physically punishing children, saying such treatment had been normalised during her own school years. Her reaction added to the widespread anger and debate over corporal punishment and the safety of children in schools.
Police Probe Underway
Police have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the child’s death and are examining CCTV footage and questioning people connected with the school. Officials have said the post-mortem examination will be crucial in determining the precise cause of death.
The case has also renewed concerns over how children are disciplined in classrooms and whether stricter safeguards are needed to protect students from physical punishment and humiliation.
As the investigation continues, the allegations against the teacher and school management remain subject to the findings of the police investigation and medical examination.
