Dehradun | Aug 21, 2025

In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about school safety and student behavior, a teenager in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district shot his teacher after being slapped in class earlier this week. The attack, carried out inside the premises of Guru Nanak School, left physics teacher Gagandeep Singh Kohli critically injured.

According to police, the student, identified as Samarath Bajwa, smuggled a country-made pistol into school by concealing it inside his lunch box. The shooting occurred on Wednesday shortly after the mid-morning break. Witnesses said Mr Kohli was leaving the classroom when the boy suddenly pulled out the weapon from the tiffin box and fired at him.

Teacher Undergoes Surgery

The bullet entered through Mr Kohli’s back and lodged in his neck. He was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors performed an emergency surgery. Dr Mayank Agarwal, who supervised the operation, confirmed that the bullet was successfully removed. “The patient’s condition is stable, and he will be shifted to the ICU for close monitoring,” Dr Agarwal told reporters.

The incident has left students and parents in shock. “We never imagined something like this could happen in a school,” said one parent, who requested anonymity.

Student Caught After Attempt to Flee

Following the shooting, Bajwa attempted to escape from the classroom but was overpowered by other teachers before he could get away. He was handed over to the police, who later registered a case under Section 109 of the Indian Penal Code. Investigators are probing how the minor managed to procure the firearm and whether others were involved. The pistol used in the attack has been seized.

A senior police officer told NDTV that the boy’s statements suggest he was humiliated by the slap from his teacher and had been planning revenge. “This is a serious matter. We are looking into the source of the weapon and whether it was accessible at home or obtained illegally,” the officer said.

Safety Concerns in Schools

The incident has sparked debates around rising aggression among students and the need for stricter security in schools. Educationists have stressed on counseling and conflict resolution methods to prevent such violent reactions. “Discipline is important, but physical punishment can sometimes backfire with devastating consequences,” said an education expert based in Dehradun.

Parents, too, have demanded tighter checks at school entrances to ensure weapons cannot be smuggled in. Authorities are reportedly considering enhanced security protocols, including random bag checks and increased vigilance.

Investigation Underway

Police said they are investigating Bajwa’s background and family circumstances to determine if there were prior behavioral issues. Officials have also contacted the district administration to ensure psychological evaluation of the boy, given the gravity of the crime.

For now, Mr Kohli remains in hospital under close observation, with doctors hopeful of a full recovery. The shocking classroom shooting, however, has left the small town of Udham Singh Nagar grappling with questions over student discipline, parental oversight, and the urgent need for safety reforms in schools.
Student Hides Gun in Lunch Box, Shoots Teacher in Uttarakhand School

A shocking classroom shooting in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar has left a teacher critically injured. Physics teacher Gagandeep Singh Kohli was shot by his student, Samarath Bajwa, who had smuggled a pistol into Guru Nanak School by hiding it in his lunch box. The attack followed an incident earlier this week when the teacher allegedly slapped the student. The bullet entered Mr Kohli’s back and lodged in his neck. He underwent emergency surgery and is now stable, doctors said. The student was caught while trying to flee and handed over to police, who are investigating how he obtained the firearm.