The academy at Tirunelveli had garnered attention for reportedly helping 12 students gain admission to government medical colleges last year.
Published Oct 18, 2024 | 9:37 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 19, 2024 | 2:42 PM
The NEET coaching centre at Tirunelveli
Disturbing CCTV footage of young students seeking entrance to medical college being violently abused and beaten at a NEET (National Eligibility and Entrance Test) coaching centre in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu has forced authorities to take cognisance of the abysmal conditions of young people preparing for competitive examinations.
The footage exposing the abuse was captured at the ‘Jal NEET Academy,’ in Tirunelveli, established by Jalaluddin Ahmad Vettiyadan, a trainer with experience from a prominent coaching centre in Kerala.
The academy garnered attention for reportedly helping 12 students gain admission to government medical colleges in the previous year. A large number of students were thus freshly enrolled in the academy.
The academy charges fees ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹80,000, a significant sum for many families. Students are put through a rigorous schedule, with classes beginning at 8 am and continuing until 8 pm, leading to extreme stress among students.
This gruelling schedule includes multiple examinations and extended hours of study.
The abuse captured on camera occurred recently when a group of students allegedly fell asleep in the classroom after an examination. Jalaluddin Ahmad, reviewing the CCTV footage, reacted violently, reportedly assaulting the students with a rod.
Footage shows students being hit, resulting in injuries to their arms, legs, and backs. The brutality of the attack raised an alarm, prompting an investigation into the academy.
Accounts of students revealed a culture of fear and intimidation within the academy, with students subjected to severe verbal abuse and physical punishment. Students said they felt compelled to meet unreasonable expectations.
One student said the intense pressure to perform affected her mental health. “We feel like we are constantly under a microscope, with no room for mistakes,” she told South First.
Besides the physical assaults, there are disturbing reports of students being ridiculed and punished for minor infractions.
One incident reported was of a teacher who flew into a rage on seeing how a student left her shoes at the entrance – so enraged was the teacher that shoes were thrown at the student!
A formal complaint was filed at the Melapalayam police station by an individual wishing to remain anonymous. CCTV footage was provided to police as evidence of the assaults.
The police have registered a Community Service Register (CSR) and are currently investigating the incidents, focusing on Jalaluddin Ahmad, other trainers, and staff members at the academy.
The local police are actively questioning students who have been affected by the incidents.
The gravity of the situation has prompted calls for a broader examination of NEET coaching centres across Tamil Nadu, with a focus on the safety and well-being of the students.
The Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission proactively initiated an inquiry into the matter. V Kannadasan, a member of the State Human Rights Commission, visited the coaching centre and spoke with students.
Later, addressing the media, he said two of the victims were minors, and action would need to be taken under the Juvenile Justice Act. He mentioned that police had failed to arrive at the spot during his visit, even though he waited for them.
Kannadasan mentioned that coaching centre staff, including the owner, was not present at the time of the inquiry. Reports suggest they are currently absconding.
Kannadasan stated that going by the experiences of students, it was evident that a thorough probe into the coaching centre was warranted; he noted that one staffer knew about the abuse inflicted on students, but failed to report them. Broader systematic issues of student security in such high-pressure environments need to be addressed.
(Edited by Rosamma Thomas)
