Questioned for playing games in class; Student fractures teacher’s nose

ALAPPUZHA: A Malayali teacher was seriously injured in an attack by a school student in Maldives. Smita N Pillai (35), a teacher at Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll School on Gadhdhoo Island and wife of Deepak Sasi from Chengannur, suffered severe injuries to her nose. The doctors have advised an immediate surgery.

The incident happened on April 12. While taking class, Smita noticed an eighth class student playing games on a computer in the lab. Despite repeated warnings, the student did not stop. When she said she would record a video and report it to the principal, the student snatched her phone, threw it away, and repeatedly punched her on her nose, said Deepak.

Smita, who lost consciousness and was bleeding, was taken to the primary health Centre in an ambulance by the other teachers. After giving her first aid, the doctors advised to shift her to a better-equipped hospital. She has suffered a fracture to her nasal bone.

Deepak said they have contacted the Maldives High Commission and are trying to bring her back home. Smita joined as a teacher in the Maldives a year ago. Of the nearly 2,000 teachers there, about 75% are Malayalees. He also expressed concern over the safety of teachers. School authorities have filed a complaint with the police.