Headmistress in Casteist Slur Row at Coastal School

A headmistress in a Haripad coastal district school is in hot water for allegedly making casteist remarks against fourth-grade students and their parents, police announced Wednesday. The school, which operates with nine students, mostly from Scheduled Caste communities, has Gracy as its principal figure.

She is accused of hurling slurs and mocking students' skin tones, claims that have led to a formal complaint under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Gracy is the sole permanent teacher among staff and was accused of using derogatory language aimed at children from Backward communities.

Allegations grew as parents reported being addressed with demeaning language when confronting her about her conduct. Kayamkulam's Deputy Superintendent of Police is currently leading the investigation to substantiate these claims.

(With inputs from agencies.)