If Police Can’t Act, Hand Over Their Uniforms to Us : Activists Rally for Pranav in Kerala School Caste Discrimination Row

Priyanka Soman, who has been at the forefront of the fight, revealed that she has received a notice from the Kattappana court summoning Pranav to appear on January 4 for recording his statement.

Geetha Sunil Pillai

Kuthunkal/ Idukki- On December 29, the streets of Kuthunkal City also known as Rohith Vemula City echoed with impassioned slogans as the Dalit Protection Committee spearheaded a protest demanding justice for Pranav, a six year old Dalit student who was forced by his class teacher to clean a classmate’s vomit.

The protest, attended by various organizations, activists, and concerned citizens, sought immediate action against the accused teacher, Maria Mathew, under the Juvenile Justice Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The protestors also highlighted how caste bias continues to obstruct the pursuit of justice in Kerala’s education system.

Representatives from the Cheramar-Sambavar Development Society (CSDS), Bhim Army, National Dalit Liberation Front, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Jaati Unmoolan Organisation, Pembile Orumay and other advocacy groups participated in the gathering. The activists condemned the police’s failure to arrest the accused, despite non-bailable charges being filed, and called out the systemic casteism embedded in the justice system.

Caste Can’t Be an Obstacle to Justice—We Demand Accountability Now : Activists Speak Out

The protest began with fiery speeches from activists, who criticized the police for their inaction. One activist remarked, “Are they unable to track the teacher? If the police cannot find the accused teacher and arrest her, they should remove their uniforms and give them to us—we will find her.” Another speaker questioned the role of caste in obstructing justice: “We don’t think about caste, community, or religion when rushing accident victims to the hospital or donating blood to save lives. Why does caste become an obstacle in police cases? Wrongdoers need to be punished.”

The gathering also saw emotional solidarity from activists like Gomati Amma of the Pembile Orumay Organisation. She expressed her outrage, saying, “I can relate to the pain Pranav’s mother must be going through. We don’t make small children work even in our homes, so how could the teacher be cruel enough to force him to clean vomit? Action must be taken.”

The protest lasted three hours, with participants reaffirming their commitment to escalating demonstrations if the police continue to delay action against the teacher.

Activists announced plans for larger protests if the authorities fail to act promptly. They have called on central and state agencies to ensure schools have dedicated cleaning staff to prevent such discriminatory practices. “Children cannot and should not be forced into such work,” one activist declared.

Priyanka Soman, who has been at the forefront of the fight, revealed that she has received a notice from the Kattappana court summoning Pranav to appear on January 4 for recording his statement.

“Even as we fight for justice, the system seems intent on wearing us down,” Priyanka said. “But I will not give up. This is not just about my son; it’s about dignity and the right to education without humiliation for every Dalit child.”

The protest, attended by various organizations, activists, and concerned citizens, sought immediate action against the accused teacher, under the Juvenile Justice Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The Case

The incident occurred on November 13 at St. Benedict LP School, Sleevmala. A classmate of Pranav vomited during class, and the teacher, Maria Mathew, allegedly forced Pranav, a Dalit student, to clean it up. When he refused, the teacher threatened him until he complied. This act of caste-based discrimination sparked outrage after it was brought to light by Pranav’s mother, Priyanka Soman.

After the school’s management refused to address the gravity of the situation and allegedly attempted to downplay the allegations of caste-based discrimination, Pranav’s parents got a transfer certificate (TC) for their son and admitted him in a government school.

Despite filing complaints with the school authorities, local education officers, and law enforcement, Priyanka faced resistance and inaction. After persistent efforts, a case was finally registered on November 30 under sections of the Juvenile Justice Act and the SC/ST Atrocities Act. However, no arrests have been made, prompting the current protests.

Courtesy : The Mooknayak

Note: This news is originally published on themooknayak.com and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially for human rights.