Varghav Barman suffers leg injury after being forced to do 400 squats for talking inside class
SHILLONG, July 27: How far is too far when it comes to disciplining a student? And why do some institutions choose silence over accountability when that discipline borders on abuse?
These questions hang heavy in the air for Shillong’s Banajit Kumar Barman, whose 18-year-old son, Varghav Barman, has been bedridden after allegedly being forced to perform 400 squats as punishment by a faculty member at Centurion Defence Academy in Dehradun.
What began as a routine classroom reprimand has spiralled into a painful and traumatic ordeal, one that has raised serious concerns over the unchecked authority of coaching centre instructors and the lack of transparency in their internal grievance redressal.
According to an FIR filed at Laban police station on July 14, the incident occurred on July 4, when Varghav, currently preparing for the National Defence Academy exams at the said Academy, was singled out by mathematics teacher Jay for talking during class.
As punishment, the teenager was made to do 400 squats, a physically punishing exercise that soon proved to have serious consequences.
The next day, Varghav was unable to walk due to extreme pain and swelling in his legs and back, forcing him to skip his classes. Despite his condition, he pushed himself to attend school on July 7 and 8, only to experience worsening pain, cramps, and spasms.
Alarmed by his deteriorating state, the PG owner arranged a consultation with an orthopaedic doctor, who prescribed strong painkillers, patches, and anti-inflammatory medication. Varghav remains unable to walk properly, limping with pain and confined mostly to bed.
His father’s FIR details how the boy initially kept the incident to himself, not wanting to cause worry at home. But as the symptoms intensified, he finally informed his parents, who immediately contacted the institution via email on July 10.
The academy responded on the same day, acknowledging that the incident had taken place and admitting that one of their teachers had acted in an “unacceptable manner.” They expressed concern and assured that “strict action” would follow.
However, no such action has been communicated since.
With no apology from the accused teacher or update from the academy, the Barman family sent a second email on July 11, demanding a written apology from the faculty member and transparency in the disciplinary process, including copies of all related correspondence. Despite this follow-up, the family says the institution has remained uncooperative, deepening their distress.
Adding to their anguish, Barman received an aggressive phone call from the academy’s legal counsel, followed by a call to Varghav, summoning him to the institution for “document verification” even though all admission formalities had already been completed in April.
Later, another call sought to know his residential address, and he was told to resume classes immediately, with no recognition of his medical condition or prior communication regarding his absence.
The FIR notes that the delay in approaching police was due to the family’s initial trust in the institution’s assurance that they would act. It also mentions that CCTV cameras are installed in the classrooms and on campus, which could provide crucial evidence of the incident.
As their son remains physically incapacitated and emotionally shaken, the family’s faith in the institution has crumbled. “The incident has traumatised us and has caused much distress… especially taking into consideration the casual attitude of the academy,” the complaint reads.
The Barman family’s appeal now lies in the hands of law enforcement, as they wait for answers, accountability, and justice.
The Dehradun Police has launched an investigation into the incident.
According to police, the youth from Shillong had arrived in Dehradun in March or April to undergo training at the Centurion Defence Academy.
Police said the boy was caught talking to a fellow trainee, after which the trainer allegedly ordered both of them to perform 400 squats as punishment. The two completed the punishment, but the boy reportedly sustained a serious leg injury.
A zero FIR was initially registered in Shillong, and the case was later transferred to the Vasant Vihar police station in Dehradun on July 21.
Police informed that they have recorded the statements of both the youth and his father.
The police have also requested CCTV footage from the academy. However, the police were informed that the footage is currently stored at the academy’s headquarters.
“We will be following up with the academy’s headquarters to obtain the CCTV footage,” a police official said.