A mathematics teacher at a government school in Himachal Pradesh鈥檚 Sirmaur district has been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing 24 girl students from Classes VIII to X. The arrest was made after the students submitted a written complaint to the school principal, accusing the teacher of inappropriate physical contact, police sources told news agency PTI.
The incident came to light during the 鈥楽hiksha Samvad鈥 programme held at the school, where several students spoke up about the harassment they had faced. Following their complaint, the matter was forwarded to the school鈥檚 anti-sexual harassment committee. The school authorities then informed the police.
On Saturday, the parents of the affected students were called for a meeting. Shockingly, most of them were unaware of the harassment their children had endured. Once informed, the parents protested against the school administration and the accused teacher, demanding strict action.
Yogesh Rolta, Additional Superintendent of Police, Sirmaur, confirmed the seriousness of the case and said the investigation was being carried out with urgency. 鈥淪tatements have been recorded, and we have completed a spot visit as well,鈥 he added.
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The teacher, a trained graduate educator, was arrested and presented before a local court on Sunday. He has been remanded for three days in police custody. A case has been registered under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Meanwhile, the teacher has been suspended. Terming the matter 鈥渟erious and sensitive,鈥 the Director of School Education has directed the Deputy Director of Elementary Education, Sirmaur, to conduct a preliminary inquiry. In a letter, the Director instructed him to personally visit the school, record statements from students and staff, and submit a report within a week.