Haryana: 142 Schoolgirls Testify Against Principal For Sexual Assault

In a revelation that has shocked the state of Haryana, 142 girl students have bravely come forward to testify against the principal of a government girl's school in Jind. The accused, 56-year-old Kartar Singh, was arrested on November 4 and is currently in Jind jail on judicial remand. The gruesome crime, initially reported with 60 survivors, has now escalated to a staggering number, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions.

The ordeal unfolded when 390 girls from classes 9th to 12th were interviewed by a committee headed by a sub-divisional magistrate. Disturbingly, 142 students directly or indirectly confirmed the allegations against Singh. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Imran Raza affirmed that the committee found Singh prima facie guilty, leading to his arrest on November 4. The charges include sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (Pocso) Act and molestation under the Indian Penal Code.

The Grisly Revelation

Following Singh's arrest, the police added Sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (confinement), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC, along with Section 10 of the POCSO Act (punishment for aggravated sexual assault) to the FIR.

The gravity of the accusations has prompted both criminal and disciplinary actions against Singh. The committee recommended disciplinary measures in addition to the ongoing criminal proceedings. A comprehensive inquiry, overseen by Additional Deputy Commissioner Harish Vashisht, will follow the submission of a charge sheet.

The shocking details of the alleged crime came to light on August 31 when 15 students penned a five-page letter to the highest offices in the country, seeking action against the accused principal. The Haryana secondary education department suspended Singh on October 27, but the extent of the trauma inflicted on the survivors remains a matter of deep concern.

Voices of the Survivors

The girls bravely penned a letter on August 31, addressing the President, the Haryana governor, and the National Commission for Women. The Haryana secondary education department suspended Singh on October 27, but the extent of the trauma inflicted on the victims remains a matter of deep concern.

Government's Response

Chief Minister ML Khattar, expressing zero tolerance for such incidents, assured that the accused would not be spared. In response to this horrifying incident, a woman principal has been posted at the Jind school, and 16 other staff members have been transferred. The government is also taking proactive measures, with the chairperson of the Haryana State Women's Commission organizing seminars in collaboration with the police to prevent such heinous acts.

The Haryana sexual assault case has sent shockwaves through the nation, emphasizing the urgent need for robust measures to ensure the safety of students in educational institutions.