Inquiry Finds Allegations Against Nun at Kunnoth School Unsubstantiated

Kannur, September 15, 2026: A special inquiry by the Thalassery Corporate Educational Agency has found that allegations that a nun-teacher assaulted and verbally abused a student at St Joseph’s UP School, Kunnoth, were not substantiated by the statements of the student and most of her classmates.

The findings have prompted the Church-run school management to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and reject what it described as an unfair portrayal of the teacher, Sister Linto Jose.

The incident occurred on September 8 when a Class 6 student reportedly fell in the classroom after feeling dizzy. Sister Linto, who was serving in the class to fill a temporary vacancy, went to the classroom after noticing students gathered around the child.

According to the management’s explanation, classmates told the teacher that the student had fallen while standing on a desk. The teacher asked the students to maintain discipline and arranged for water to be brought for the child. She also asked the student to wash her face.

The management said the teacher returned later and asked whether the child wanted to go home. When the student declined, the teacher sought the assistance of another teacher who was familiar with the child’s health condition. The child’s mother was subsequently contacted and informed about the situation.

Following the mother’s advice that the child could be comforted and sent home in the usual manner as the school day was ending, the teacher remained with the student, applied balm to her and ensured that she left safely in an autorickshaw, the management said.

The following day, a written complaint was submitted to the headmaster alleging that the teacher had kicked the student and made an abusive remark after the child collapsed. The allegations triggered protests and widespread media attention.

The Corporate Educational Agency initially removed Sister Linto from teaching duties and constituted a special inquiry committee. The committee recorded statements from the headmaster, teachers, the student, classmates and parents on September 10 and 11.

According to the inquiry report cited by the management, the allegations were not supported by the statements of the student and the majority of her classmates. The management said the inquiry found no evidence that the teacher had kicked or verbally abused the child.

The management also said the complaint contained an incorrect name for the student and that the relative who submitted it later informed the inquiry committee that he had acted on information received by telephone from the child’s father, who was abroad. He subsequently stated that the matter had been resolved amicably and that there was no longer any complaint, according to the management’s statement.

The Church-run educational agency stressed that it had cooperated fully with inquiries conducted by the Education Department, government authorities and other agencies.

The episode has also raised concerns within the Church about the damage that can be caused when serious allegations are circulated before the facts are established. At the same time, the management’s decision to initiate an inquiry and temporarily keep the teacher away from duty was presented as evidence of its commitment to due process and the safety and welfare of students.

The management appealed to the public not to allow an unsubstantiated allegation to damage the reputation of a school that has educated thousands of children over the years. It called on parents, teachers and the wider community to work together to strengthen the institution and preserve its educational mission.

The case, therefore, has underscored the need for both student protection and fairness to teachers—ensuring that complaints are taken seriously while allowing an impartial inquiry to establish the facts before conclusions are drawn.

By Catholic Connect Reporter