Child Rights Council Urges Public to Report Child Abuse to 1098 After Viral Video from Khawalung Monastery School

Kathmandu. The National Child Rights Council (NCRC) has expressed serious concern after a video showing a teacher repeatedly beating a young student at Khawalung Monastery School in Boudha, Simaltar, Kathmandu, went viral on social media. The council has urged the public to report incidents of violence against children by calling the National Child Helpline's toll-free number 1098.

The 32-second video shows teacher Sona Rana repeatedly striking a student's palm with a stick while scolding the child. The student is seen writhing in pain and struggling to hold back tears, while other children in the classroom appear visibly frightened. 

Following the video's circulation, the council issued a statement condemning the incident as inhumane and cruel, particularly because it occurred in a monastery school. Although TechPana's investigation found that the incident took place about a year ago, the council said the footage raises serious concerns about the absence of a child-friendly learning environment and the treatment of children in educational institutions.

Citing the Act Relating to Children, 2018, the council stressed that subjecting children to physical or mental punishment at home, school, or any other institution is a criminal offence. Under Section 72(3)(a) of the Act, offenders may face a fine of up to Rs 50,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both.

The council also questioned whether the school had implemented mandatory child protection standards and whether disciplinary action had been taken against those responsible for the abuse.

It has called on anyone who witnesses violence or abuse against children in schools or elsewhere to immediately report the incident to the nearest police office or the National Child Helpline by calling 1098. The council further urged all educational institutions to establish and effectively implement child protection policies to prevent such incidents.

Responding to the controversy, Sunil Rana, principal of Khawalung Monastery School, said the video is an old recording and that the teacher involved had resigned for personal reasons in May- June 2025. He added that the students seen in the video are currently studying in Grade 4 at the same school.

 

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