Raghu Engineering College: In a shocking incident at Raghu Engineering College, close to Dakamarri in Visakhapatnam, second-year student Gurugubelli Venkata Lakshmi, of the Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) course, physically assaulted a woman lecturer with her flip-flop slipper after the latter confiscated her mobile phone. The exchange, which was videoed and later went viral, has met strong condemnation from everywhere.
It is reported that the lecturer rebuked Lakshmi for talking loudly over the phone while in class. Despite repeated warnings, the student continued talking, so the lecturer seized the device as per college rules. Angered by this measure, Lakshmi abused the lecturer verbally and asked for the return of her phone, reportedly worth ₹12,000. When the lecturer did not give in, the student took things to the next level by kicking off her footwear and hitting the lecturer with it in front of fellow students.
Other students tried to intervene and calm the situation down, but Lakshmi continued with her violent outbursts. The altercation was captured by another student and soon went viral on social media, with arguments erupting over student discipline and respect for teachers.
In reaction to the incident, the college administration had an emergency meeting and resolved to suspend Lakshmi forthwith on grounds of "abusive behaviour and physical assault against a faculty member." An internal committee has been set up to inquire into the incident further and advise on suitable disciplinary action.
The attacked lecturer said to be upset by the incident and the management's initial reaction, has quit her job. The college then made a statement reaffirming its belief that it must continue to have a safe and respectful atmosphere for students and teachers.
The case has led to an even wider debate concerning the need to preserve discipline and respect between educators and learners.
