Bangalore:  An appalling incident unfolded in Karnataka's Kolar district as students from a local school were compelled to manually clean toilets and excrement pits. The distressing incident, which occurred a few days ago at Morarji Desai Residential School, gained attention when photos went viral on Sunday.

Five to six students, ranging from seventh to ninth grade, were reportedly forced to clean a pit at the school. Additionally, another incident at the same school involved children subjected to an overnight punishment, kneeling down with heavy bags on their backs. A video capturing the incident circulated on social media, revealing that a boy fainted during the punishment due to exhaustion and dehydration. Responding to these matters, a committee from the state's social welfare department visited the school and is expected to file a complaint with the Kolar police.

Kolar Superintendent of Police (SP) Narayana M expressed concern about the lack of a permanent warden at the school. He indicated that a case would be registered against the warden-in-charge, Muniyappa, and two others. The police will also investigate whether the school had outsourced toilet cleaning to a private agency and whether such practices were occurring in other branches of the school. According to the Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, manual scavenging is strictly prohibited in the country.

Opposition leaders, including BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil, condemned the incident, describing it as "inhumane." Patil emphasized that such actions are punishable offenses under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. He called for immediate legal action against the culprits and urged the government to take strict measures.

Punjab Police Continues Crackdown: Second Consecutive Encounter with Bambiha Gang

IMD Issues Orange Alert as Southern India Braces for Heavy Rainfall

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Accuses Governor of Disturbing Peace Through Provocative Statements