The principal of La Martiniere for Boys, Sunirmal Chakravarthi has expressed regret for having caned Rouvanjit Rawla, the Class 8 student who committed suicide. He, however, does not accept the charge that the punishment led to the child’s death. “I am really sorry for caning him and I have already apologised but it is not fair to link the
punishment with his death. I had caned Rouvanjit and two other boys mildly on Monday (February 8) while he committed suicide on Friday (February 12),” he explained. Mr Chakravarthi also made it clear that corporal punishment would never be given to any student in the school.
He recalled that on February 5, Rouvanjit had set off a couple of stink bombs in the class. “But that day (Friday) he was not punished. He was neither caned nor even scolded. He was only told to bring his father to the school on Monday,” he added.
Mr Chakravarthi admitted that the governing board of the school had conducted an inquiry into the incident and had sought an explanation from him. “It is true that the board had warned me and told me that corporal punishment was totally prohibited. I then offered my apologies to the board,” he added. The principal said he understood the pain and grief of Rouvanjit’s parents. He even claimed that he shared very good vibes with Rouvanjit who was like a son. “I also miss him and pray for his soul,” he added.
When asked if he would step down as principal since there was a clamour for his resignation, Mr Chakravarthi said: “A case has started, so let the law take its course. My conscience is clear. I am not guilty of anything except caning him for which I have already apologised. I accept it was wrong and I should not have done it. But it had no connection with his suicide.”
Rouvanjit’s father Ajay Rawla, however, was not placated. “His apology is too little and too late and in any case, neither the principal nor any other teacher of the school has offered any apology to me,” he added. Mr Rawla wants immediate removal of Mr Chakravarthi from his post.