A disturbing allegation of child abuse has emerged from a preschool in Salt Lake, Kolkata, where a three-and-a-half-year-old girl was reportedly locked inside a dark cupboard as punishment. The February 20 incident has sparked public outrage, prompted a police complaint, and led to an investigation by the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
According to a complaint filed by the child’s father, two teachers — Sayita Karmakar and Indira Das — allegedly forced the girl into a cupboard or box and then placed a heavy table in front of it to stop her from getting out.
The episode was recorded on the school’s CCTV system. After repeated requests, the child’s mother was allowed to view the footage, which reportedly confirmed the family’s concerns.
The video shows one teacher taking the child into an empty classroom and making her sit in a corner. She then moves a table closer and is seen pushing the girl into a cupboard. A second teacher enters, drinks water, and watches without intervening. She later assists in confining the child, while the first teacher blocks the cupboard with a table. After several seconds, the table is removed and the child comes out.
The incident has reportedly caused significant psychological distress. A clinical observation report from the Clinical Psychology Centre at the University of Calcutta notes serious effects on the child’s mental health. She is said to be experiencing emotional trauma, irritability, sleep disturbances, and has refused to return to school or face the teachers involved.
The girl’s father, who resides overseas, returned to Kolkata after learning of the incident. He described the family as devastated and said they have approached the appropriate authorities, adding that they intend to pursue the matter to ensure it does not happen to another child.
The child rights commission has sought a detailed report from the school. Commission chairperson Tulika Das called the incident deeply unfortunate and said every school must strictly follow a Child Protection Policy. She confirmed that an investigation is underway and that the commission is assisting the family.
In response, the school administration stated that the teachers involved were terminated immediately and that the police were informed in writing. The school said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corporal punishment and has met with the child’s parents to address their concerns.
Despite the dismissals, the family has indicated it will continue legal proceedings, citing broader concerns about safety protocols and the school’s initial handling of the matter.
