Chitradurga: Teacher arrested for brutal assault on 9-year-old student at Sanskrit School

Mangalore Today News Network

Chitradurga, Oct 22, 2025: A teacher accused of violently assaulting a 9-year-old student at a Sanskrit Vedadhyayan school in Nayakanhatti, Challakere taluk, has been arrested following widespread public outrage across Karnataka. The accused, Veeresh Hiremath, allegedly beat the student, Tarun, hitting him on the head and back and pushing him with his foot in a cruel and inhumane manner.

The incident, which took place in February 2025, was caught on a mobile phone camera and the video later went viral, drawing condemnation from across the state, including from Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar.

Police tracked down Hiremath in Kalaburagi and arrested him. He was brought back to Nayakanhatti and produced before the Challakere court, which remanded him in judicial custody. He is now being held at the Chitradurga District Jail.

Reports suggest that the assault occurred after the student allegedly contacted his parents by phone. Despite Tarun raising his hands to protect himself, the teacher continued to beat him. Locals have alleged that attempts were made to cover up the incident and prevent it from coming to light.

The viral video triggered protests outside the school, with angry residents demanding strict action against the teacher and accountability from the school authorities. The student, who was reportedly deeply traumatized and even attempted self-harm near a local lake, has since been transferred to another school for his safety and well-being.