In a shocking incident, seven students of a government school in Kayalpattinam, in the Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu, suffered burn injuries due to the brutal punishment handed out to them by the school principal.

The incident occurred when 35 students of standard V were forced to keep their palms on a burning candle after they were suspected of having stolen money.

On Thursday, Usha Parvathy, a teacher at the school, complained that Rs 200 had been stolen from her purse while she had left in the classroom to visit the toilet. She alleged that one of students had pilfered the money.

When the matter was brought to the notice of the principal, Vasantha, she decided to punish the entire class to find the 'thief' and recover the money.

She made all the students in the classroom keep their hands on a burning candle and promise that they had not taken the money. In the process, seven of the 10-year-olds burnt their palms.

When nothing was recovered from the children, a search was conducted in the school's premises and the money was found near the toilet.

Later that day, the students informed their parents about the inhuman punishment and a complaint was registered at the Armugneri police station the following day against the principal, who is now absconding.

District Superintendent of Police Mahesh Kumar Agarwal and District Collector Chandrasekhar have promised severe action against the culprit.

Meanwhile, the education department has swung into action and suspended the principal.