Hazaribagh, April 16 (IANS) A major scandal has surfaced from a government school in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district, where nearly two dozen girl students have accused the in-charge headmaster of molestation and inappropriate behaviour.

The case came to light on April 11 after two students dialled the Child Helpline (1098) and reported alleged sexual misconduct by the headmaster of the school under the Charhi police station limits. Acting on the complaint, a child protection team, along with local police, reached the school and initiated a preliminary inquiry.

As the investigation progressed, more students stepped forward with similar allegations. In statements recorded before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), around 24 girls detailed instances of alleged abuse, describing a pattern of misconduct that had gone unchecked for some time.

According to the victims, the headmaster would call them individually on the pretext of academic assistance and allegedly touch them inappropriately. Several students also claimed that they were threatened with expulsion or poor academic results if they disclosed the incidents, which kept them silent for months.

Following the inquiry, the CWC found the allegations serious and directed the police to register a case under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with other applicable sections of law. An FIR has since been lodged against the accused teacher.

The revelations have triggered widespread outrage among parents and local residents. A large number of villagers gathered at the police station, demanding swift action and the immediate arrest of the accused.

District authorities have taken cognisance of the matter and indicated that departmental proceedings will also be initiated against the headmaster. Meanwhile, police said that a detailed investigation is underway, and the process of recording statements of the affected students is continuing.

–IANS

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