Thrissur (Kerala): In a classroom, deep inside Thrissur - the cultural heart of Kerala – a teacher taught little Angel Mary a lesson. The three-year-old was forced to drink urine after she wet herself in class.

Anganwadi teacher C V Mary apparently believed it would cure the child of the “nasty” habit. “Somebody seems to have told the teacher that the best treatment is to make the child drink urine. So she seems to have given Angel urine in a spoon,” says Angel’s shocked mother, Sheela Thomas.

The incident that happened in Varandarappalli district of Kerala on October 31 came to light after Angel's classmate informed their parents. “We came to know about this after my daughter came and told me. She said the teacher had given urine to Angel. We then immediately informed Angel's parents,” says Maya Suresh, parent of Angel’s classmate.

Mary was suspended after the local panchayat took up the case and brought it to the notice of the district administration. “As soon as we heard of this incident, strict action was recommended against the teacher. Now she says it was for a cure that she did it.

But such practices can’t be allowed,” says District Programme Officer, Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS) Cell, C R Venugopalan. However, Angel's parents say they don't want to press any charges against the teacher.