Daijiworld Media Network – Shimla

Shimla, Jun 24: In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves across Himachal Pradesh, a government school teacher from Sirmaur district has been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing 24 girl students.

The accused, a mathematics teacher serving as a trained graduate educator, came under the scanner after students from Classes VIII to X raised complaints during a session of the school’s sexual harassment committee, held as part of the state-run 'Shiksha Samvad' initiative. The students handed over a written complaint, accusing the teacher of inappropriate physical contact.

The matter was immediately brought to the attention of the school principal, who informed the authorities. Parents, unaware of the trauma faced by their children, were stunned to learn about the allegations. Outraged, they gathered at the school premises, raising slogans demanding stringent action against both the teacher and the school management for failing to ensure student safety.

Following the uproar, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other applicable laws. The accused teacher was arrested and produced before a local court on Sunday evening, which remanded him to three days of police custody. The teacher has also been suspended from duty.

Terming the incident as "serious and sensitive", the Director of School Education has directed the Deputy Director of Elementary Education, Sirmaur, to carry out a thorough preliminary inquiry. He has been instructed to personally visit the school, record statements of students, teachers, and staff, and submit a detailed report within a week.

Additional Superintendent of Police, Sirmaur, Yogesh Rolta confirmed the development and stated that the investigation is being treated with utmost urgency. “We have recorded statements and conducted a spot inspection. The case is being pursued on priority,” he said.

As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked a renewed debate on the safety of students in educational institutions and the urgent need for more robust mechanisms to prevent such offences.