Ragging, Teacher Assault Allegations Expose Dark Underside of Navodaya Vidyalaya System in Himachal

Munish Sood
Una

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, projected as temples of excellence and discipline for rural talent, are once again under scrutiny after a disturbing case of alleged ragging and physical abuse surfaced at JNV Pekhubela in Una district. The incident has raised serious questions about student safety, accountability of residential school authorities, and the effectiveness of anti-ragging mechanisms within centrally run institutions.

A Class 10 student has reportedly been subjected to physical assault by a teacher and public humiliation by senior students, triggering mental trauma and forcing the family to approach the police after the school administration allegedly failed to act.

Teacher Accused of Slapping Student, Seniors Allegedly Forced Ragging

According to the complaint, the victim has been studying at JNV Pekhubela since Class 6. The alleged incident dates back to November 23, 2025, when a house master, acting on inputs from other students, allegedly threatened and slapped the minor without any verified fault on his part.

What followed, the family claims, was even more alarming. Senior students allegedly subjected the boy to ragging, forcing him to perform sit-ups in front of his peers and treating him with cruelty and humiliation inside the campus.

The victim’s father stated that his son had no dispute with any student and had committed no misconduct warranting such treatment. Since the incident, the child has reportedly been suffering from acute mental stress, fear, and emotional trauma.

Complaints Ignored, Counselling Support Allegedly Absent

The case highlights what parents describe as a complete institutional breakdown. The student reportedly submitted a written complaint to the school principal on January 15, seeking protection and justice. However, no inquiry or disciplinary action was initiated, the family alleged.

Even the school counsellor—tasked with safeguarding students’ mental well-being—allegedly failed to intervene or provide support, further deepening the family’s sense of abandonment.

After repeated attempts to seek accountability from the school administration yielded no result, the victim’s father finally lodged a police complaint at Mehatpur police station on January 28, 2026.

Principal Cites Engagements, Assures Inquiry

Responding to the allegations, the school principal said he received a phone call from the student’s father late on January 24. He stated that he had travelled to Delhi on January 26 to attend official engagements following the school receiving a ₹1-crore recognition.

The principal assured that upon his return, a fair and impartial inquiry would be conducted and that statements of students would be recorded. He added that appropriate action, if required, would be taken within three to four days.

Police Confirm Investigation

Confirming the complaint, the Una district police said the matter is under examination. Officials stated that facts are being verified and that legal action would follow based on the outcome of the investigation.

Bigger Questions for Navodaya System

The incident has reignited debate over student safety inside residential schools, especially institutions like Navodaya Vidyalayas that operate under the direct supervision of the central government. Despite strict anti-ragging guidelines and child protection norms, cases of abuse often remain unreported or internally suppressed, parents allege.

As the investigation unfolds, the case serves as a reminder that academic excellence cannot come at the cost of dignity, safety, and mental well-being of children—and that elite labels do not grant immunity from scrutiny.