The teacher from Uttar Pradesh, who was captured on video instructing students to slap their Muslim classmate, defended her actions today by describing it as a “minor issue.” This explanation came even as a case was filed against her.
Tripta Tyagi, in an attempt to clarify, denied any communal motives and explained that she directed some students to slap the boy due to his failure to complete homework. She mentioned that parental pressure prompted her to take strict measures, and her own physical disability led her to involve other students in order to encourage his commitment to homework.
Tyagi claimed that the video was edited to portray a communal aspect that wasn’t present. She clarified that the boy’s cousin, who was present in the classroom, recorded the video and later distorted its context, including offensive language she used.
Addressing the situation, Tyagi stressed that the incident was minor and became exaggerated once the video became widely shared. She acknowledged her mistake but expressed frustration at the undue escalation.
She also criticized politicians, including Rahul Gandhi, for amplifying what she deemed a minor matter through social media. She questioned the impact on education if routine issues like these are magnified and discussed online.
District Magistrate Aravind Mallappa Bangari of Muzaffarnagar confirmed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the teacher. Despite initial reluctance from the parents to file a complaint, they eventually lodged one with the local police station. Bangari emphasized that legal action would be taken in response to the situation.
