Jind (Haryana) November 22 (ANI): In a shocking revelation from Haryana, as many as 142 minor girls studying at a government school in Jind accused the principal of sexually assaulting them over a period of six years, officials said on Wednesday.
Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Mohammad Imran Raza, the deputy commissioner of Jind district, said, “A probe committee led by the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) has recorded the statements of 390 girls in total and we have forwarded complaints of 142 instances of sexual assault on girls to higher officials of the Education department for further action. Of these 142 girls, the majority accused the principal of sexually assaulting them while the rest said they were witnesses to the horrific acts. The accused principal is currently behind bars,”
Significantly, about 15 girls had earlier written to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India DY Chadrachud, the National Women’s Commission, and the state women’s commission, among others, on August 31, on the alleged horrific acts by the principal.
On September 13, the Haryana Women’s Commission finally took cognisance of the letter and forwarded it to Jind Police for action the day after, on September 14.
However, it was alleged that the police dragged their feet in the matter and filed an FIR much later on October 30.
The accused was arrested on November 4 and produced before a court on November 7, which remanded the accused principal in judicial custody on November 7.
The state women’s commission stated earlier that 60 girls at the government school came forward to record their statements against the principal.
However, the number has now risen to 142, officials informed.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of six members led by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Deepti Garg was formed on November 16 to probe the allegations against the principal.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Shrikant Jadhav directed the probe team to file a report within 10 days and also arrange counselling for the minor girls who were allegedly preyed on by the principal. (ANI)
