A grade nine student stabbed a teacher to death yesterday at a Salesian-run school in Chennai allegedly for being “too strict with him”.

The murder took place at Saint Mary’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School.

The 15-year-old boy is alleged to have stabbed his teacher, Uma Maheswari, 14 times in the neck, stomach and chest. She was dead on arrival at hospital.

The incident took place during break time when the teacher was waiting for the students to arrive for the next class.

Police arrested the boy and sent him to a remand home.

The 41-year old teacher, who taught science and Hindi, had been working at the Salesian school for the past seven years. She was said to be “dedicated and sincere” by her colleagues.

She was cremated today.

“We are shocked and terrified by the incident,” said Salesian Father Deva Joe, the Rector of the school.

The student, who reportedly kept aloof, was said to have planned the attack for the past three days and had bought a knife for the purpose.

Fr. Antony Pancras, editor of the Catholic fortnightly The New Leader, said the “incident has created a need to rethink and evaluate our school systems.”

The diocesan priest shares the residential facility with the Salesian community, which manages the school.