The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that about 18 students at a government school were subjected to corporal punishment by their teacher after locking them inside a room in Haflaganj area of Katihar district, Bihar on 21st August, 2025. Their ordeal stopped when some parents raised the alarm while visiting the premises in connection with some work.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of the human rights of the students. Therefore, it has issued notices to the State Chief Secretary and the Superintendent of Police, Katihar, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to the media report, carried on 22nd August, 2025, several villagers gathered at the school and started protesting. Sensing trouble, all the male teachers fled the school. The police also reached the spot.

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NSK