A disturbing video from Bandapalli Tribal Girls Ashram School in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, has gone viral, showing a teacher sitting comfortably on a chair, talking on her phone, while two young students massage her feet during class hours. The clip has triggered public outrage and raised serious concerns over the misuse of authority and treatment of students in government-run tribal schools.
The Viral Video That Sparked Outrage
The video, reportedly filmed during school hours, shows the teacher lounging on a chair with her legs stretched out while two girls in school uniforms sit on the floor beside her, pressing her feet. The teacher appears unconcerned as she continues her phone conversation, seemingly unaware that her actions are being recorded.
Once the video surfaced on social media, it quickly spread across platforms, drawing widespread condemnation from parents, activists, and education officials alike.
Authorities Take Swift Action
Following the uproar, the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) in Seethampeta immediately took note of the incident. ITDA Project Officer Pawar Swapnil Jagannath confirmed that a formal inquiry has been launched, and the teacher involved has been suspended pending investigation.
“A showcause notice has been issued to the concerned teacher. Such behavior is unacceptable in an educational institution. A thorough investigation will be conducted, and strict action will follow based on the findings,” Jagannath said in an official statement.
Renewed Concerns Over Tribal School Oversight
The shocking incident has reignited concerns about supervision and accountability in tribal residential schools meant for underprivileged children. Education advocates have called for tighter monitoring to prevent such exploitation and ensure a safe learning environment for students.
A Pattern of Neglect?
This case follows another troubling incident from Chittoor district just a month earlier, where an 11-year-old student named Satvika Nagashree suffered a head injury after being beaten by her teacher with a school bag for alleged misbehavior during class. The September 10 incident had already raised questions about student safety and disciplinary practices in state-run schools.
With back-to-back incidents surfacing, officials and parents alike are demanding stronger safeguards and stricter enforcement of conduct rules for teachers — emphasizing that schools should remain spaces of learning, not fear or humiliation.
