Mumbai tutor arrested after allegedly burning 8-year-old's hand over poor handwriting

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A private tutor in Mumbai’s Malad area has been arrested after allegedly burning an eight-year-old boy’s hand with a candle as punishment for poor handwriting, police said. The disturbing incident, reported by NDTV, has sparked outrage as details of the child’s ordeal emerged.

The accused, Rajshree Rathore, ran tuition classes from her residence in JP Decks Building, Malad East. The victim, Mohammad Hamza Khan, a Class 3 student at Lakshadham School, attended evening sessions at her home. According to his father, Mustakeen Khan, Hamza’s sister dropped him off as usual on the evening of July 28.

Around 9 pm, Rathore called the family, saying Hamza was “crying uncontrollably” and needed to be picked up immediately. Once home, the boy revealed that his tutor had held his right hand over a lit candle, leaving severe burns on his palm.

NDTV reported that when confronted, Rathore allegedly defended her actions, claiming she had done it to “discipline” the child. Mustakeen Khan rushed his son to a local doctor before transferring him to Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital (Shatabdi) for further treatment.

Following a formal complaint at Kurar Police Station, an FIR was registered against Rathore under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Police confirmed her arrest, and investigations are ongoing.