In a startling development originating from Haryana, authorities revealed that 142 underage girls enrolled in a government school in Jind have accused the principal of sexually assaulting them over a span of six years. Mohammad Imran Raza, the deputy commissioner of Jind district, disclosed to ANI on Wednesday that a committee led by the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) has gathered statements from a total of 390 girls. Out of these, complaints regarding 142 instances of sexual assault have been forwarded to higher officials in the Education department for further action. A majority of these 142 girls accused the principal of the assaults, while others claimed to be witnesses to these appalling acts. The accused principal is presently in custody.
Earlier, 15 girls had written to various authorities, including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India DY Chadrachud, the National Women’s Commission, and the state women’s commission, on August 31, detailing the alleged horrific acts committed by the principal. It wasn’t until September 13 that the Haryana Women’s Commission took note of the letter and forwarded it to Jind Police for action on September 14. Allegations surfaced that the police delayed their response, filing an FIR only on October 30.
The accused was apprehended on November 4 and presented before a court on November 7, where judicial custody was granted on the same day. Initially, the state women’s commission reported 60 girls had come forward to give statements against the principal at the government school. However, this number has since escalated to 142, according to officials.
A legal expert commented on the case, criticizing district officials, police, and Education department authorities for their lack of prompt action. Referring to sections 19, 20, and 21 of the POCSO Act, the expert emphasized the necessity for immediate registration of an FIR upon reports of sexual harassment against a minor girl.
Activists also questioned the delay of one and a half months in registering the FIR against the accused. The deputy commissioner mentioned that a team of three district officials, all holding the rank of sub-divisional magistrate, found the principal prima facie guilty. They plan to prepare a chargesheet for his dismissal and revocation of job-related privileges.
Decisions regarding further action against the arrested principal will be made following the filing of the chargesheet. Additionally, an Additional Deputy Commissioner, Harish Vasisth, has been assigned to continue the investigation.
To probe the allegations against the principal, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) consisting of six members, led by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Deepti Garg, was formed on November 16. The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Shrikant Jadhav instructed the team to submit a report within 10 days and organize counseling for the affected minor girls.
