NEET academy owner booked for brutally attacking students in southern India
by Aditi VermaPolice has booked the owner of Jal NEET Academy after footage revealed him physically assaulting students in southern India’s Tamil Nadu. The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has launched an investigation into the incident.
The incident took place at JAL NEET Academy located on the second floor of the Passport Office Building, S Bypass Road, Tirunelveli on September 24.
Visuals showed the owner-cum-trainer of Jal NEET Academy, Jalal Ahmad beating boys with a stick and throwing footwear at girls. The footage surfaced after complaints were filed by a staff member and students, prompting authorities to take action.
According to reports, Tirunelveli City Police Commissioner Rupesh Kumar Meena confirmed the registration of the case and identified Ahmad as hailing from Kerala. According to sources, the incidents took place last month but only came to light after the complaints were filed. Ahmad reportedly beat male students for dozing off during early morning classes and threw shoes at the girls after one left her footwear in an inappropriate spot outside the classroom. Around 100 students from different parts of the city are enrolled in the coaching centre.
SHRC member V Kannadasan visited the academy to investigate the matter, meeting with both students and staff. Students detailed the physical punishment they endured, showing their injuries, while staff defended Ahmad’s actions, claiming they were intended to motivate the students to study harder and meet their parents’ expectations.
Kannadasan condemned the staff’s justification and expressed concern over the harsh mental and physical treatment of students. He also pointed out several safety and hygiene issues, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate toilets for the 61 girl students, and a lack of fire safety measures. Kannadasan warned that Ahmad could face legal action under the Juvenile Justice Act for his actions.
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