Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh – In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a government school teacher from Shahjahanpur district has been arrested on allegations of molesting at least 18 girls. Adding to the gravity of the situation, the principal of the school and an assistant teacher have also been charged with supporting the accused, who was identified as Mohammad Ali, a computer teacher. The police have taken swift action, booking all three under various sections of the law, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the IPC, and the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act.
The arrest came after a courageous victim confided in her parents about the inappropriate behavior of her computer teacher and other female students. Disturbed by the revelation, the parents took immediate action and conducted a raid at the school premises. To their shock, they discovered used condoms in the school’s toilet, further corroborating the heinous acts taking place within the institution. The incident, which was captured on video and subsequently circulated on social media, brought the matter into the public eye, leading to increased pressure on authorities to address the situation promptly.
Senior Superintendent of Police S Anand stated, “Case of sexual harassment of minor girls in Tilhar police station of Shahjahanpur. As many as 18 girls have been sexually abused and are to be X-rayed today. The accused has been arrested.” He emphasized that legal proceedings were underway, and the Child Welfare Committee had been duly informed.
According to Circle Officer Priyank Jain, the accused computer instructor, Mohammad Ali, exploited his position of authority to prey upon the vulnerable young girls in the school. Shockingly, he received support from the school’s principal, Anil Pathak, and another teacher named Sajia. The village head Pradhan Lalta Prasad lodged a formal complaint against all three individuals at the Tilhar police station, sparking an investigation into the matter.
Expressing grave concern over the incident, officials from the education department swiftly suspended the principal and the assistant teacher. Kumar Gaurav, the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA), announced that a departmental inquiry against the computer teacher was underway and would be concluded soon. He assured that the case had been registered, and the police were actively investigating the matter.
The appalling nature of the crimes has elicited strong reactions from various quarters. Uttar Pradesh minister Baldev Singh Aulakh strongly condemned the incident and called for stringent action against the accused. Addressing concerns about the alleged assault on the girls, most of whom belong to the Dalit community, the minister emphasized that the focus should be on delivering justice for the victims, regardless of their caste. “We respect all castes and communities,” he stated. “The matter isn’t about Dalits but about the girls, and action should be taken against the accused as per the law.”
The shocking episode has underscored the need for robust measures to ensure the safety and protection of students within educational institutions. Authorities, community leaders, and parents must work together to create an environment where children feel secure and empowered to report any form of abuse. It is crucial to address incidents of this nature swiftly, ensuring that the perpetrators face the full force of the law and that victims receive the necessary support and care to recover from their traumatic experiences.
