A Class 10 student punches lab assistant at Veeravalli ZPHS in Krishna district, video goes viral

A controversy has erupted at the Veeravalli Zilla Parishad High School in Bapulapadu mandal of Krishna district after a video showing a Class 10 student hitting an elderly lab assistant inside a classroom went viral on social media.

The student, identified as Puneet Kumar, was seen punching the lab assistant, Ravindra Rao, in the chest after being reprimanded. The incident occurred on February 26, 2026, in the presence of several classmates, some of whom tried to stop the altercation, while teachers later intervened to control the situation. The issue came to light only a few days later when the school librarian, who had recorded the episode, shared the video on online platforms.

According to the inquiry, the lab assistant had gone to the classroom to reprimand the student after allegedly catching him smoking near the washrooms. The student, however, claimed he reacted after the lab assistant used offensive language against him.

Krishna District Educational Officer U. V. Subba Rao, who visited the school and conducted an inquiry, said the student and his parents had been counselled. He added that Samagra Shiksha has posted a permanent counsellor at the school to help address student behaviour and prevent such incidents.

The DEO noted that since the SSC Public Examinations are scheduled to begin on March 16, removing the student at this stage could cost him the entire academic year.

Mr. Subba Rao also said departmental action would be initiated against the librarian, who filmed the incident but failed to report it to school authorities or officials before releasing the video on social media.