Ranchi, Dec. 11: Vineet Agarwal and Abhijeet Sah, both 12-year-old Class VI students of St Xavier’s School in the capital, are still in a state of shock. Abhijit is undergoing treatment for head injuries while Vineet is badly bruised.

Both were allegedly taken to task by their respective teachers. Sources said Vineet was punished for not reciting the prayer properly while a duster hurled at another student by the teacher hit Abhijit by mistake.

Many Class VI students have been “brutally” punished by two teachers, but their parents are scared to speak out.

According to rules, students have to recite a short prayer at the end of school but most of the tim, they are in a hurry to go home.

The teacher conducting the prayer thought that Vineet was not reciting it and hit him with a cane on both his legs. Vineet limped back home and has not been able to walk for three days.

On Wednesday, a science teacher threw a duster at a student, which hit Abhijit. He started bleeding profusely and his uniform was soaked in blood, his classmates said. The boy was immediately given first aid.

The students said the teacher had a habit of getting into trouble with students.

The students alleged that the school prefect, who usually conducted the prayer service, was short-tempered. “He moves with his cane, terrorising the students.”

The prefect initially denied the charges levelled against him, but later admitted to beating students. “Yes, I have caned the boy. But I have apologised to his parents,” he said.

Principal Father James Lakra said that it was “an unfortunate incident which should not have happened”.

“'Incidents like these have taken place earlier. I believe that students should not be physically assaulted,” Lakra said. He will issue notices to the two teachers.