Headmaster bludgeons daughter to death over poor test score

By Sumesh Rajan | June 23, 2025

Sangli, Maharashtra, INDIA : In a horrifying case of domestic violence driven by academic pressure, a 16-year-old girl was brutally beaten to death by her father, a school headmaster, after she failed to score well in a NEET practice test. The shocking incident occurred on the night of Saturday, June 21, at Nelkaranji village in Atpadi tehsil of Sangli district.

The deceased, identified as Sadhana Bhosale, was a Class 12 student and an aspiring doctor. Her father, 45-year-old Dhondiram Bhosale, allegedly flew into a rage after confronting her about her poor marks in the medical entrance exam mock test. According to police, an argument ensued during which Sadhana reportedly asked her father, “Papa, which collector did you become? You also had low marks.” The retort is said to have enraged Bhosale, triggering a violent outburst.

Senior Inspector Vinay Bahir of Atpadi police station told reporters that Bhosale picked up the wooden handle of a stone grinder used for making flour and repeatedly struck his daughter in front of his wife and son. Despite Sadhana sustaining serious injuries and losing consciousness, Bhosale refused to take her to a hospital.

The assault allegedly continued intermittently throughout the night, even as his wife tried to intervene. Her efforts failed to stop the brutal attack.

Shockingly, the next morning, instead of seeking medical help for his critically injured daughter, Bhosale left home to attend an International Yoga Day event at the school where he served as headmaster. It was only later that Sadhana was rushed to a hospital in Sangli, where doctors declared her dead during treatment.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that Sadhana succumbed to multiple internal injuries sustained during the prolonged assault.

Based on a complaint filed by the girl’s mother, local police arrested Dhondiram Bhosale on charges of murder under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

The incident has sparked outrage in the region, with activists and educators condemning the extreme pressure placed on students preparing for competitive exams like NEET. A senior official from the education department has stated that a departmental inquiry into Bhosale’s conduct as a school headmaster will also be initiated.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.