Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Apr 13: A senior lecturer at Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Sopore in Baramulla district, was suspended today after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a student, triggering widespread protests and forcing the closure of educational institutions in the area.
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The matter came to light following a formal complaint filed by a minor girl who alleged that her lecturer had behaved inappropriately and harassed her in class.
Intense protests erupted almost immediately after the news spread, with many students joining hands in demanding immediate action against the accused. Many protesters voiced fears over safety within school premises, while emotionally charged scenes were witnessed as students called for accountability.
Responding to the situation, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) placed the accused, identified as Ghulam Hassan Mir, a senior Urdu lecturer, under suspension with immediate effect.
The order, issued pending an inquiry, also directed his attachment to a school in the remote Gurez valley of Bandipora during the suspension period. An inquiry has been formally launched, with the Joint Director (North) appointed as the Inquiry Officer. Officials have been instructed to submit a detailed report within 15 days.
Meanwhile, police in Baramulla district acted swiftly. SSP Sopore, Iftikar Talib, confirmed that an FIR (No. 90 under relevant sections) has been registered against the accused and legal proceedings have begun. He stated that police took immediate cognizance following the protests and assured students of strict action.
Authorities also confirmed that the accused teacher is under investigation. Police teams engaged with protesting students to calm tensions and ensured transparency in the process.
As a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, the district administration has suspended academic activities in several institutions, including Government higher secondary schools and the degree college in Sopore, from April 15 to April 18.
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