A video purportedly showing a teacher of a coaching centre in Kashmir repeatedly slapping a student has gone viral sparking outrage on social media platforms. The Right to education Act imposes an absolute bar on corporal punishment. It prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment of children and prescribes disciplinary action to be taken against the guilty person.

In the 44-second video, teacher Fayaz Ahmad Wagay, can be seen slapping the student repeatedly. Wagay seems to be angry with the student for not ‘seeking permission’. It is unclear what the permission was for, reports greaterkashmir.com.

Speaking with the website, Wagay said, “Yes it was my video which has gone viral. I am aware about the education policy and also admit that beating the student is a crime,” he said.

Wagay added, “His parents have paid around 70000 to the institute for his Coaching institute but he is very careless and doesn’t care about it,” the teacher said. He, however, added that he had no ill intention behind slapping the student repeatedly, the website added.

The Coaching Centres Association of Kashmir, in a statement said, “We condemn the incident, but people should not read too much into it. Unfortunately, a witch hunt has been launched by people against the teacher and the coaching institute, both of whom are known for their reputation.”

Social media leaders criticised the teacher for slapping the student and sought action against him. Police have registered a case.