Guwahati, July 9 (IANS) A headmaster of a government lower primary school in Assam’s Dhubri district has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and forcing her into an illicit relationship, police officials said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Shahjahan Hussain Sheikh, is a resident of Kachuwar Khas village in Dhubri district and was serving as the headmaster of 333 Sohrab Char Lower Primary School.

According to the police, the woman approached the authorities with a complaint alleging that Sheikh had sexually exploited her and repeatedly coerced her into maintaining an illicit relationship. She further claimed that the alleged incidents took place in the vicinity of the school where the accused was posted.

Acting on the complaint, the victim lodged a First Information Report (FIR), following which police initiated legal proceedings. Based on the complaint, a case (No. 253/2026) was registered at a local police station in Dhubri district under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused was subsequently taken into custody.

Police produced Sheikh before the Dhubri District Court on Thursday and sought further legal proceedings in connection with the case.

A police official said the investigation has been launched based on the victim’s statement and other available evidence.

“The case has been registered under the relevant legal provisions. We are conducting a detailed investigation into all aspects of the allegations, and appropriate legal action will follow based on the outcome of the probe,” the official said.

The alleged incident has sparked concern among residents of the locality, particularly parents, as the accused was heading an educational institution entrusted with the welfare of young students.

Police officials said statements of relevant witnesses are being recorded as part of the investigation, while additional evidence is also being collected to ascertain the sequence of events.

Authorities maintained that the probe is at a preliminary stage and all legal procedures will be followed before filing the final report before the court.

–IANS

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