In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district, a government school teacher has been apprehended on charges of molesting at least 18 young girls. The local police announced on Sunday that both the school principal and an assistant teacher have also been implicated for their alleged support of the accused, who worked as a computer teacher. The accused individuals have been booked under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Senior Superintendent of Police S Anand of Shahjahanpur stated, “A case of sexual harassment of minor girls has been reported at Tilhar police station. Eighteen girls have suffered sexual abuse, and they are scheduled to undergo medical examinations today. The accused has been apprehended.” He further added that legal proceedings were being initiated, and the Child Welfare Committee had been informed to ensure the well-being of the affected children.
According to Circle Officer Priyank Jain of Tilhar, the incident took place at a secondary school in Shahjahanpur’s Tilhar police station area. The accused, identified as Mohammad Ali, a computer instructor, is alleged to have subjected minor girls studying at the school to molestation. He reportedly received support from the principal, Anil Pathak, and another teacher named Sajia. The village head Pradhan Lalta Prasad lodged a complaint against all three individuals at Tilhar police station.
The shocking revelations came to light when one of the victims confided in her parents about the inappropriate behavior of her computer teacher towards her and other female students. Disturbed by their daughter’s revelation, the parents conducted a raid on the school premises, where they discovered used condoms in the school’s restroom. A video purportedly capturing the incident also emerged on social media, further intensifying the outrage.
In response to the grave allegations, the education department officials swiftly suspended the principal and the assistant teacher. Kumar Gaurav, the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA), confirmed the initiation of a departmental inquiry against the computer teacher, which is set to be concluded soon. Gaurav stated, “A case has been registered, and the police are investigating the matter.”
Meanwhile, Baldev Singh Aulakh, a minister from Uttar Pradesh, denounced the incident and demanded stringent action against the accused. When questioned about the assault victims, many of whom belong to the Dalit community, the minister emphasized that the issue was not about caste but about the girls’ welfare and emphasized the need for legal action in accordance with the law.
The shocking molestation case has sparked public outrage and calls for justice as authorities undertake a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their heinous actions. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the pressing need for stringent measures to safeguard the safety and well-being of children within educational institutions across the country.