Chhattisgarh school principal held for assaulting child over ‘Radhe Radhe’ greeting

The principal of Mother Teresa School in Bagdumar, allegedly slapped the three-and-a-half-year-old girl, forcibly held her wrists, and stuck tape over her mouth

Updated on: Aug 1, 2025, 21:52:01 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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Raipur: A school principal was arrested in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district for allegedly beating up a nursery student and sticking tape on her mouth as punishment for using ‘Radhe Radhe’ as a greeting on Thursday, police said.

Ila Evan Colvin, principal of Mother Teresa English Medium School in Bagdumar village, allegedly slapped the three-and-a-half-year-old girl, forcibly held her wrists, and stuck tape over her mouth after she used the devotional greeting.

The child’s father, a daily wage labourer, filed a complaint after his daughter returned home with bruises.

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The First Information Report (FIR), a copy of which is seen by HT, said that the principal got angry over the child’s greeting and subjected her to both physical assault and public humiliation. It further mentions that the child had injury marks on her cheek and scratches on her stomach.

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Colvin was arrested under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. “The investigation in the case is going on,” a police officer said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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