PALLURUTHY: The Mattanchery police have arrested a teacher for beating a three-and-a-half-year-old boy with a cane at a private playschool on Mattanchery Palace Road. The teacher, Seethalakshmi (36), a resident of Mattancheri Anavathil, is facing charges under the Juvenile Justice Act.

The incident came to light when the child returned home with visible cane marks on his back. After the family sought medical treatment, hospital staff alerted the police. A case was filed following a complaint from the child's mother.

Seethalakshmi, who holds a Master's and a B.Ed, was a temporary teacher at the playschool. The Kochi Magistrate Court has granted her bail and the school authorities have confirmed her dismissal from the position.

In her complaint, the mother stated that the child had been afraid to attend school for a month and had previously shown signs of physical punishment.

The State Child Rights Commission has intervened in the case, voluntarily registering a complaint. The commission has requested a police report and will assign the District Child Protection Unit to ensure the child's safety and address related concerns.