In a serious incident from Gujarat, the principal of a local school and the rector of its hostel were arrested on Tuesday. They are accused of sexually harassing at least five minor boys studying in Classes 9 and 10. The shocking news has raised concerns among parents and the local community.
Reports suggest that the harassment took place over the past year. It only came to light during a recent parent-teacher meeting. Parents expressed their concerns to the school trustees, prompting immediate action.
A police sub-inspector stated, “After the incident was reported, the trustees approached the police and filed a complaint. Based on this, an FIR was registered under the POCSO Act, and both the principal and rector were arrested.” The FIR was filed on July 7 and marked as sensitive due to the nature of the allegations.
On Tuesday morning, police officials, along with members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), visited the hostel. They spoke with the victims and other students to determine if more boys had been affected. The investigation is ongoing, and police are reviewing CCTV footage from the hostel as part of their efforts.
This incident has shocked the community, and many are calling for stricter measures to protect children in educational institutions. The POCSO Act was created to protect minors from sexual offences, and these arrests highlight the importance of vigilance in schools.
The principal, identified as Keval Lakhnotra, and the rector, Hiren Joshi, are now facing severe legal consequences. They have been dismissed from their positions by the school’s trust following the allegations.
This case is part of a broader issue concerning the safety of students in educational settings. Many parents are now questioning the measures in place to protect their children. They demand transparency and accountability from school authorities.
In a related incident, a college in Bhuj town faced backlash after reports emerged of severe mistreatment of female students. Authorities allegedly forced over 60 girls to remove their undergarments to check if they were menstruating. This incident has drawn national attention and raised questions about the treatment of students in Gujarat.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has intervened in this case, stating that such practices are unacceptable in modern educational institutions. They are currently investigating to ensure that students’ rights are protected.
As these cases unfold, it is clear that urgent action is needed to protect students from abuse. Schools and colleges must implement effective policies to ensure the safety and dignity of all students. Parents and communities must remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to authorities.
The incidents in Gujarat serve as a wake-up call. They highlight the need for educational institutions to foster a safe environment for learning and growth. The arrests of the principal and rector are just the beginning of the necessary changes needed in the system. The community hopes for justice for the victims and that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
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