Government school teacher arrested for sexually harassing 24 girl students in Himachal

A government school teacher in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh, has been arrested on charges of sexually harassing 24 girl students. The arrest came swiftly after the students, ranging from classes VIII to X, formally complained to the school principal about the alleged harassment. School authorities, upon receiving the written complaint on Friday, immediately informed the police and forwarded the matter to the school's anti-sexual harassment committee.

The allegations detail that the teacher had been touching the girls inappropriately. In a meeting convened on Saturday with the students' parents, it was revealed that many parents were previously unaware of the harassment their children had been enduring, highlighting a potential climate of fear or hesitation among the victims. This widespread lack of parental knowledge underscores the gravity of the situation and the courage shown by the students in coming forward.

Police sources confirmed the teacher's arrest. A case has been registered against him under Section 75 (sexual harassment) of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The POCSO Act is a stringent law designed to protect children from sexual abuse, encompassing various forms of sexual assault and harassment, and mandates severe penalties for offenders. Section 75 of the BNS specifically deals with sexual harassment, outlining acts such as unwelcome physical contact, demands for sexual favors, and sexually colored remarks.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and emphasizes the critical need for safe environments in educational institutions. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victims and to reinforce measures that protect students from such misconduct in schools.