Ministry Clarifies Kandoodhoo Incident: Student Reportedly Struck Teacher First

The Ministry of Education has clarified details surrounding a recent classroom altercation at a school in Kandoodhoo, Thaa Atoll, where a foreign teacher was accused of injuring a student. According to the Ministry, the situation escalated after the student allegedly struck the teacher during class.

Sequence of Events in the Classroom

The incident occurred earlier this week, prompting swift medical attention and a police investigation. According to the Maldives Police Service, the teacher allegedly twisted a student's finger, leading to a joint injury. The student was treated at the Veymandoo Health Centre shortly after the altercation.

An official from the Ministry of Education, speaking to Mihaaru News, provided additional context, stating that the student hit the teacher with a water bottle from behind during a lesson.

“When the bottle struck him, the teacher turned around and grabbed the student’s finger. That is how the incident unfolded,” the official said.

Parents' Behavior Raises Additional Concerns

Further complications arose when the student’s parents reportedly entered the school premises during class hours. The Ministry claims they confronted the teaching staff aggressively, using offensive language. This secondary incident has also been reported to law enforcement for investigation.

Ongoing Investigations by Police and Education Ministry

Both the Ministry of Education and the Maldives Police Service are currently investigating the incident to determine whether appropriate conduct was maintained and what further actions may be necessary.

This incident comes on the heels of another high-profile case in Addu City, where a foreign teacher was accused of hitting a student on the head with a steel water bottle. These back-to-back reports have raised public concerns over classroom safety and teacher-student interactions in Maldives schools.

Public Awareness and Institutional Accountability

As these cases undergo investigation, both educators and parents are being urged to approach school-related conflicts through official channels and maintain respectful conduct. The Ministry has reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe and respectful learning environments in all Maldivian schools.