The principal of a government-aided school in this area was arrested on Tuesday following accusations from female students that he molested them. The students detailed their claims in a letter addressed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

According to the students’ letter, Rajiv Pandey, the school principal, allegedly summoned them to his office under false pretenses and molested them. Additionally, the students reported that Pandey threatened to harm their academic futures if they spoke about the incidents.

The complaint led to an FIR filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with sections 354 (intent to outrage modesty) and 507 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC. The school principal was arrested based on the complaint lodged by the students’ parents.

The incident unfolded when the girl students confided in their parents on August 21. The parents, accompanied by local councilor Parmosh Yadav, visited the school, resulting in an altercation during which the principal was reportedly injured.

On the same day, the parents lodged an FIR against the principal, and the school management countered with a cross FIR.

In response to the situation, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed concerns on a social media platform, emphasizing the importance of a swift investigation and safeguarding the rights of the students.

However, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) denied claims that the students were held for four hours or admonished by a police officer. The DCP clarified that it was the parents who interacted with the police, and no students were involved.

To ensure transparency, senior officials have monitored CCTV footage of the police station.

Source: PTI

Also read: Kejriwal suspends teachers, VP over non-reporting of classmates sexual assault