Bengaluru school locks students in dark room over unpaid fees

Bengaluru school locks students in dark room over unpaid fees

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, December 19, 2024: A school in Bengaluru has come under fire after it reportedly locked students over non-payment of fees. Orchid International School allegedly subjected students to this form of punishment, which has reportedly caused them significant emotional and mental distress. Angry parents have condemned the treatment, stating that it could negatively affect the academic performances of their wards.

The school has reportedly warned students of severe consequences if they file formal complaints. According to multiple reports, this is not an isolated case. Some private schools in the city have allegedly resorted to locking students in dark rooms as punishment for unpaid fees, tardiness, or misbehaviour. In certain instances, students were reportedly confined to a dark library during class hours for not paying fees.

Parents file formal complaints

The allegations against multiple shcools have led to formal complaints to the Education Department and the Child Safety & Protection Department. Parents have been demanding swift action, including revoking the licenses of such schools and blacklisting them. They argue such punitive measures violate the rights of their children and call for accountability.

What did Education Department say?

The Education Department has warned private schools against harassing students over unpaid fees, stressing the harm it can cause to their mental health and academic performance. Parents have been encouraged to report such incidents to local police stations, with the department assuring thorough investigations. They also stated that if the allegations are proven true, the schools’ permits will be revoked, and they will be blacklisted.

As per a report by Asianet News, six students have allegedly been confined to a dark room for an entire day, with no light or access to any other facilities over last two weeks.

School denied allegations

News18.com reached out to Orchid International School on Mysore Road for a comment regarding the allegations. While the school denied the claims and called them baseless, they assured us they would facilitate communication with another branch in the city. However, we have not received a response from them yet.

How social media users reacted?

In response to the incident, an individual wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Criminal case should be booked against the school management .This issue will have gigantic impact on the sensitive adolescent."

“As punishment, this has happened with me couple of times in school," said another.

A third commented, “The admin of the school must be sent to the jail."

“Name and shame the school," suggested a fourth. They aslo tagged Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and urged him to take “necessary action against the school".