Alabama School's 'Teacher Of The Year' Faces Charges After Assaulting Son

A former Alabama "Teacher of the Year," Randi Nicole Staples, has been arrested and fired after a horrific video of her allegedly beating her 12-year-old son with a belt was shared on social media by the boy's older brother. Staples, 44, is a former second-grade teacher at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, Alabama.

A video, reportedly filmed by another family member inside the home, shows Staples repeatedly hitting her 12-year-old son with a belt, yelling profanities, and at one point, lifting him by his hair. Reports indicate the boy was struck more than 20 times in a short period. The incident reportedly occurred because the boy had not completed his chores.

"I didn't feel like, you know, she should be working at the school or even doing that to my little brothers. You know, she done it to me my whole life, so I'm 24. Something about he wasn't cleaning the kitchen like he was supposed to be, he left, went to the neighbor's house, come back and then it transpired into that," Staple's eldest son, Jackson Staples told Fox 10.

Staples was arrested and charged with willful abuse of a child under the age of 18, a felony offence. She has since entered a plea of not guilty. Although the incident happened off-campus, Cottage Hill Christian Academy immediately placed Staples on administrative leave, launched an investigation, and subsequently terminated her employment.

"Cottage Hill Christian Academy is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment for all students. This commitment guides every action our school takes regarding student welfare and staff conduct."

Jackson Staples said that his younger brothers are currently staying with their aunt in Baldwin County. Nicole is set to appear in court on Friday for a formal bond hearing related to a child abuse case. 

Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch described the actions as "repulsive" and "way beyond any form of discipline."

"I mean I'm all about disciplining a child if you have problems with them, you know, if that involves a spanking, you know, everybody disciplines their children different ways, but that was way above and beyond any form of discipline.The fact that another person in the home felt the need to video…that is somewhat telling," he said.

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Celina Says She Was Forced Out Of Her Home Three Weeks After Childbirth

Actor Celina Jaitly has approached a Mumbai court with a detailed domestic violence complaint against her husband, Peter Haag. Filed under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the petition outlines claims of emotional, physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. 

Allegations Of Abuse 

According to SCREEN, the petition, drafted by Karanjawala & Co., Celina has accused Peter Haag of repeatedly belittling her through racist comments. The document states that he allegedly referred to her as a "maidservant" and claimed she resembled his maid. These remarks, the petition notes, formed a pattern of humiliation that compounded the emotional strain she was already facing.

The petition also alleges that during a period marked by profound personal tragedies-including the death of her infant son, Samshera, in 2017, and the loss of both her parents-Peter exerted pressure on Celina to transfer her Mumbai residence into his name. 

At the time, she was reportedly battling severe depression.

One of the most harrowing episodes detailed in the petition describes an incident that took place just three weeks after Celina gave birth. 

According to the document, "Her stitches had not healed, she was barely able to walk... at three weeks post-partum, she asked her husband if he could consider extending his paternity leave until her stitches had healed and help her with the children. However, he once again flew into a rage and called Celina thankless. He grabbed her by the wrist and physically pushed her out of the apartment, saying, 'Get out of my life.' Celina was left stranded in the hallway in breastfeeding clothing... A neighbour saw the actress and rushed to her rescue."

Separation, Legal Battle, And Celina's Plea

The petition states that the alleged pattern of emotional and physical violence ultimately pushed Celina to leave Austria in the middle of the night, returning to India without her three children. 

After coming back, she reportedly learned that Peter had initiated legal proceedings concerning the transfer of her Mumbai property, while also restricting her ability to contact their children. According to the petition, she has only been granted interaction with them once, on November 14 this year.

While Celina's husband has initiated divorce proceedings in Austria, the actress is currently seeking Rs 10 lakh per month in alimony, along with Rs 50 crore as compensation for loss of earnings. The couple, who married in a private ceremony in Mumbai, share three children-twins Viraaj and Winston, born in 2012, and their younger son Arthur, born in 2017.

Following the filing of her case, Celina took to Instagram with a deeply emotional message. "#courage #divorce | In the middle of the strongest most turbulent storm of my life I never imagined I would spend fighting alone, without any parents, without any support system I never thought there would come a day without all the pillars on which the roof of my world once rested, my parents, my brother, my children, & the one who promised to stand by me, love me, care for me, & bear every trouble with me," she wrote.

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A post shared by Celina Jaitly (@celinajaitlyofficial)

Celina has declined to comment further, maintaining that the matter remains sub judice.

ALSO READ: Who Is Celina Jaitly's Husband Peter Haag, Accused Of Domestic Violence?

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4-Year-Old Hung From Tree For Not Completing Homework In Chhattisgarh School

In a shocking incident that has raised disturbing questions about child safety in schools, two women teachers at Hans Vahini Vidya Mandir in a village in Chhattisgarh's Surajpur allegedly inflicted brutal punishment on a four-year-old student for not completing his homework.

The child was stripped, tied with a rope, and hung from a tree inside the school campus in Narayanpur village, an act that has sparked outrage after a video of the incident went viral on social media.

The horrific video, recorded by a young man from a nearby rooftop, shows the child hanging helplessly from the tree while two teachers, identified as Kajal Sahu and Anuradha Dewangan, stand nearby. The clip was posted on social media, quickly gaining widespread attention and prompting immediate intervention from authorities.

Hans Vahini Vidya Mandir, a school that runs classes from nursery to eighth grade, opened as usual on Monday morning. Children arrived on time and classes began. In the nursery class, teacher Kajal Sahu was checking homework when she found that one child had not completed his assignment. According to reports, the teacher became angry, expelled the child from the class, and soon after handed out a punishment that stunned the entire village.

She tied the child's shirt with a rope and hung him from a tree inside the school premises. The four-year-old dangled helplessly for hours.

He cried, screamed, and repeatedly begged the teacher to let him down, but she ignored his pleas. Santosh Kumar Sahu, a family member of the child, expressed deep anger at the school management, alleging gross negligence and cruelty. He demanded strict action against the teachers responsible for the inhumane punishment.

After the video went viral, Block Education Officer (BEO) DS Lakra immediately reached the school for an on-ground inquiry. He stated that the investigation report will be forwarded to senior officials for further action. District Education Officer (DEO) Ajay Mishra confirmed that the incident has come to his notice.

Following the uproar, the education department dispatched cluster in-charge Manoj Yadav to the school for an on-ground investigation. He confirmed that the actions taken by the teachers were "completely wrong" and stated that a detailed report has been submitted to senior district officials. The school management has also admitted fault. The administrator publicly apologised, calling it a "serious lapse." One of the accused teachers, speaking to NDTV, said, "Yes, I made a mistake... This is the first time. I didn't do it intentionally."

While the child is reportedly safe and unharmed, the incident has triggered a wave of anger among parents, activists, and the general public. Many are demanding strict action, not just against the teachers but also against the school for allowing such cruel punishment on its premises.

"Ramanujnagar BEO DS Lakra and the BRC have been sent for investigation. Appropriate action will be taken upon receiving the report," he said.

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Meerut 'Blue Drum' Murder Suspect Muskan Gives Birth To Baby Girl

Muskan, who is in Meerut jail for the gruesome murder of her husband Saurabh Rajput and hiding his body in a blue drum, gave birth to a baby girl at the local medical college hospital on Monday evening, jail officials said.

Senior Jail Superintendent Dr Viresh Raj Sharma told PTI that Muskan was brought to the Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College here around 11.30 pm on Sunday after her labour pain increased.

Dr Shakun Singh, head of the Obstetrics Department, told PTI that the newborn weighed 2.4 kg and doctors successfully attempted a normal delivery. Both mother and child are healthy, jail officials said.

The senior jail superintendent said Muskan's family members have been informed. However, no one from the family visited Muskan at the hospital.

According to the hospital administration, Muskan's condition remained normal throughout the day, and she was continuously monitored. Given the sensitivity of the matter, police deployment has been increased around the main entrance and wards of the hospital.

Officials said that special instructions have been issued regarding security arrangements, and medical records are also being compiled from time to time.

Saurabh was killed on the night of March 4 at his house in Indiranagar in Meerut district. Muskan and her alleged lover, Sahil Shukla, are accused of drugging him and stabbing him to death.

It is alleged that they dismembered Saurabh's body, severing his head and hands, and hid the body parts in a blue drum filled with cement.

After the incident, both of them went to Himachal Pradesh.

The investigation into the sensational case revealed that Muskan had allegedly been planning the murder since November 2023, according to the police.

Saurabh was killed "not because of tantra-mantra, but because he was an obstacle in their love affair," the police claimed.

Muskan was arrested along with Sahil on March 18. Earlier, Muskan "confessed" to her family before she and Sahil were arrested.

Police sources said that according to the initial plan, the two accused wanted to pack the body in a suitcase and throw it away. A piece of bone was also found in the suitcase. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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India, Canada Look To Reset Ties As Talks Begin On Key Trade Deal CEPA

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, India and Canada have agreed to launch negotiations on a high-ambition Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a major reset in ties after years of turbulence. The development was announced following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg today.

The Canada-India CEPA negotiations began in 2010 and gained momentum in 2022 with enhanced cooperation in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and critical and rare earth minerals, as well as in areas like tourism, urban infrastructure, renewable energy and mining. The talks were suspended by Canada in 2023.

According to a statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) late Sunday, both sides committed to pursuing an ambitious trade pact aimed at doubling bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. The renewed engagement also includes deepening longstanding civil nuclear cooperation and advancing discussions on long-term uranium supply arrangements, an area of shared strategic interest.

This diplomatic thaw comes after a prolonged period of strain between New Delhi and Ottawa. Over the past several years, India has repeatedly raised concerns about the Khalistani extremist networks operating from Canadian soil, which it says pose a direct threat to India's national security. Ties deteriorated sharply in 2023 after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau levelled unsubstantiated allegations against India regarding the killing of a Canadian citizen linked to Khalistani separatism. India dismissed the claims as politically motivated and lacking evidence, leading to reciprocal diplomatic downsizing and a freeze in trade negotiations.

The shift in tone began earlier this year, driven by sustained engagement between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand. The two leaders met multiple times, paving the way for confidence-building measures and the gradual restoration of normal diplomatic channels. In October 2025, both countries formally announced the normalisation of diplomatic ties, including the reinstatement of High Commissioners in New Delhi and Ottawa.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking to the media earlier on Sunday, said, "Canada is reengaging pragmatically with global giants India and China. Yesterday, Canada, India and Australia formed a new trilateral partnership on technology and innovation, which will accelerate our cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. The partnership will draw on our strengths and will focus on clean energy, critical minerals and artificial intelligence to unlock more opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses".

The potential trade deal is likely to include goods, services, investments, agriculture, digital trade, labour mobility and sustainable development, including the mutual interest in advancing the use of AI and digital technology.

The Johannesburg meeting appears to have consolidated that momentum. Apart from CEPA, PM Modi and Carney welcomed the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACTI) Partnership aimed at boosting trilateral cooperation in critical technologies, AI, nuclear energy, and supply chain diversification.

With negotiations on CEPA set to begin and high-level exchanges back on track, India and Canada now stand poised to rebuild a partnership once considered jeopardised. The coming months will test whether this political reset can translate into durable economic and strategic gains for both nations.

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'You Have Votes, I Have Funds': Ajit Pawar's 'Threat' To Voters In Malegaon

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar set the cat among the pigeons while campaigning for local elections when he appeared to threaten voters, saying he would release funds he had promised only if all of his party's candidates were elected. 

Addressing a rally for the Nagar Panchayat elections at Malegaon in Baramati tehsil on Friday, the NCP chief, who also holds the Finance portfolio, said the party had fielded 18 candidates. 

"The Centre and the state have many schemes. The Prime Minister, chief minister and both deputy chief ministers have worked on these together. If all of us work together and implement these schemes properly, we can ensure development for Malegaon," Pawar said. 

"I will ensure there is no shortage of funds if you elect all 18 NCP candidates. If you elect all of them, I will fulfil whatever I have promised. But if you 'cut' my candidates, I will also "cut" (the funds). You have the power to vote, and I have the power to release funds. Now decide what you want to do," he said.

The Opposition slammed the deputy chief minister's remarks and also wondered why the Election Commission has not taken any action. 

"Funds are given from the taxes paid by the common people and not from Ajit Pawar's house. If a leader like Pawar is threatening voters, what is the Election Commission doing?" Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasheb BT) leader Ambadas Danve was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Elections for Nagar Panchayats will be held on December 2.

Earlier Remarks

This is not the first time Pawar has landed himself in hot water with his comments. In January, he was scheduled to address a public meeting in his Assembly constituency of Baramati when he was handed memoranda with demands. 

An angry Pawar had then said, "You have voted for me, but that doesn't mean you own me."

In September, Pawar had sparked a controversy when he was accused of threatening a woman police officer who was cracking down on illegal excavation in Solapur.

The officer, who had been posted to Maharashtra only recently, was handed a phone by an NCP worker and told Pawar was on the line. She informed the deputy chief minister she did not recognise his voice and asked him to call on her cellphone. 

"Main tere upar action lunga (I will act against you). Tujhe mujhe dekhna hai na? Tera number de do ya WhatsApp call karo. Mera chehra toh aapko samajh mein aaega na? (You want to see me, right? Give me your number or call me on WhatsApp. You will recognise my face, right?)... Itna aapko daring hua hai kya (How dare you?)," he asked the officer, before video-calling her and asking her to stop the action she was taking.

Pawar had later claimed he was not threatening the officer or interfering with the law, but was trying to prevent an escalation in the situation on the ground. 

In 2013, the NCP leader had mocked a farmer who had been on a hunger strike for nearly two months, demanding water be released from a dam in the drought-hit state. 

"There is this person from Solapur, sitting on hunger strike for 55 days, demanding water be released from the dam. But where are we going to get water from? Should we urinate? And when we don't have water to drink, it's hard to pass urine as well," he had said.

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'What Are They Smoking?' India A Blasted For Suryavanshi's Super Over Snub

In a baffling turn during the semi-final of the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 in Doha, the management of India A left 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi stranded in the dug-out during the Super Over, even after his explosive 38 off 15 in the match proper. The decision saw India A crash out to Bangladesh A without scoring in the tie-breaker, prompting former India pacer Dodda Ganesh to publicly lambast the leadership with a blunt "What are these guys smoking?" reaction on X.

Not sending Vaibhav Suryavamshi to bat in the Super over? What are these guys smoking? #AsiaCup

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) November 21, 2025

India A, captained by Jitesh Sharma, were knocked out of the tournament after facing Bangladesh A in what should have been a straightforward Super Over. The main match saw Bangladesh A post 194/6 in 20 overs, powered by opener Habibur Rahman Sohan's 65 and a fiery 48 off 18 from SM Meherob. India A responded with a blazing 50-run opening burst in just 19 deliveries, largely thanks to Suryavanshi's assault of two fours and five sixes. His wicket, however, swung the momentum back to Bangladesh's way. India A's chase came down to the last-ball, in which the side needed four runs but scored three.

In the Super Over, the management went with Jitesh Sharma and Ramandeep Singh as the two hitters, leaving Suryavanshi out. Jitesh was dismissed first ball by a perfect yorker from Ripon Mondal, and Ashutosh Sharma - who came in next - fell on the very first ball he faced. India A thus set a target of one run and Bangladesh A reached home with a wicket in hand.

Ganesh didn't hold back in his social-media blast:

"Not sending Vaibhav Suryavamshi to bat in the Super over? What are these guys smoking?

This pointed critique puts pressure on India A's management to justify their game-time decisions in critical moments.

In the post-match remarks, captain Jitesh claimed the choice was made because he, Ashutosh and Ramandeep were "good hitters at the death". He said that factored into excluding Suryavanshi from the equation.

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