SEWA NYAYA UTTHAN FOUNDATION
Service. Justice. Inclusion
Durg, Chhattisgarh: A 3.5-year-old nursery student of Mother Teresa School in Bagdumar village, Nandini area, Durg district, was beaten and had her mouth taped shut for 15 minutes by Principal Ila Evan Colvin after greeting with the words “Radhe Radhe”.
According to the child’s father, Praveen Yadav, she returned home visibly distressed and later disclosed the incident. The matter was brought before the village sarpanch, following which an FIR was registered. The principal was arrested and granted bail the same day.
The incident happened in August, 2025.
The family alleged that minor sections were applied and that the principal resumed duties shortly thereafter. The parents eventually withdrew the child from the school.
The family belongs to the Below Poverty Line category.
A complaint was subsequently submitted by Swati Goel Sharma, founder of Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation, to the National Human Rights Commission. The complaint raised issues of child abuse, religious discrimination, and administrative inaction.
The Commission, exercising powers under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, took cognisance of the matter.
The Bench presided by Priyank Kanoongo issued notice to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Durg, observing that the allegations disclosed prima facie serious violations of human rights and concerns under the Right to Education Act, 2009.
An Action Taken Report was soughtwithin two weeks. The matter remains under official scrutiny.
Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation Supports Child’s Education
Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation stepped in to support the child and her family during a difficult period.
Recognising that no child should have to choose between education and her religious identity, SNU worked to secure her admission in a new school where she could continue her studies in a safe and dignified environment.
Beyond facilitating the transfer, the Foundation has undertaken responsibility for her complete educational expenses, ensuring that financial constraints do not become an obstacle to her future.
SNU remains committed to supporting the child’s academic journey and well-being, viewing education as both a fundamental right and a powerful means of empowerment.
Additionally, NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo, in March 2026 after months of hearings, ordered the Chhattisgarh government to give Rs 50,000 as compensation to the child.
