Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 1: A Government teacher was today arrested by police after he allegedly molested a minor school girl in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The incident triggered public protest and the Education Department also placed him under suspension.
The teacher, Mukhtar Ahmad, who is posted at Government Middle School Kowai Bagh in Pulwama, was accused of molesting an 8th standard girl student inside school yesterday after which a protest erupted in the area. The locals said that the accused in the past has also “molested” three girl students “but every time he faced no action”.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Pulwama, Rayees Bhat, said they received a complaint regarding alleged molestation of 8th standard girl student by her teacher and subsequently an FIR was lodged after parents of the victim submitted an application.
“An FIR vide number 196/2016 has been registered against the accused teacher in Pulwama police station and he has been arrested. We have started investigation and after collecting relevant evidences and recording statements, we will file a chargesheet in the Court,” he said.
Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Kakapora zone termed the incident as shameful and said soon after receiving information he placed the accused teacher under suspension. He said the department has started a time-bound enquiry into the matter. “An enquiry team headed by two headmasters will probe the incident and submit factual report to Chief Education Officer and Director Education,” he said.
The locals of the area sought the termination of the accused teacher and transfer of entire staff from the Middle School. They alleged that the teaching staff is shielding accused teacher and show carelessness in their duties.
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