Teacher Accused of Molesting 12 Girls at Government School in Ferozepur Suspended

Strategic Insights -

In a shocking case, a teacher at a government school in Guru Har Sahai of Ferozepur has been accused of molesting and sexually harassing at least 12 girls. The teacher, Raj Kumar Chugh, has been suspended, and a three-member inquiry committee has been constituted to probe the matter. The committee, led by district education officer Manila Arora, assistant commissioner (grievances) Harjot Kaur, and district programme officer Ruchika Nanda, has interacted with students and their parents to gather information. The committee is expected to submit its findings to the deputy commissioner on Tuesday, following which further action will be taken.

Key Takeaways:

  • A teacher at a government school in Guru Har Sahai of Ferozepur has been accused of molesting and sexually harassing at least 12 girls, leading to his suspension.
  • A three-member inquiry committee, led by district education officer Manila Arora, has been constituted to investigate the matter and submit its findings to the deputy commissioner on Tuesday.
  • The committee interacted with students and their parents to gather information, and another male teacher was questioned for allegedly attempting to suppress the matter.
  • The police have recorded statements of eight out of the 12 complainants, and more statements will be recorded on Tuesday.
  • Parents of the victims have demanded strict action against the suspended teacher and other staff members who allegedly tried to silence the students through intimidation.
  • The accused teacher, Raj Kumar Chugh, has been booked under Sections 74, 79, and 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
  • The matter came to light when one of the students dropped a handwritten complaint in the school's suggestion box.

Statistics:

  • 12 girls have alleged molestation by the accused teacher.
  • 8 out of 12 complainants have recorded their statements with the police.
  • The accused teacher, Raj Kumar Chugh, has been in 14-day judicial custody since being booked under relevant sections of the law.

Sources:

  • "Ferozepur teacher accused of molesting 12 girls suspended". Hindustan Times, July 15 (no author mentioned).
  • "12 girls molested by teacher in Ferozepur school, police record statements of 8 complainants". Hindustan Times, July 15 (no author mentioned).
  • "Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012". Indian Government, Chapter 7 (sections 8, 79, and 75 mentioned).