Acting headmaster of Sirsa school held, suspended for 'sexual harassment'

The acting headmaster of Government Senior Secondary School at Bhiwan village of the district, Kulwant Singh, was arrested, and later suspended by the Education Department, for allegedly misbehaving with female students. A case under the SC/ST Act and POCSO Act was registered against him after the students gave their statements in court.

DSP Adarshdeep Singh is leading the investigation, and the Child Welfare Committee has counselled the affected students.

Villagers, including the sarpanch, had gathered at the Baragudha police station and demanded the teacher’s dismissal. They alleged that Kulwant Singh had been involved in similar misconduct before.

A PTI teacher has been appointed acting headmaster for the smooth running of the school. Block Education Officer (BEO) Manisha Nidipa said a report by the block-level Sexual Harassment Committee had been sent to the authorities concerned for further action.

The statements of the victimised girls have been recorded. They alleged that he would harass them, engage in inappropriate physical contact, and make offensive comments.

The BEO confirmed that the Education Department had suspended the teacher.

Made 'advances' to students

Female students have accused the teacher of making advances and making inappropriate remarks. They alleged that he would say things like, “My wife and I don’t get along, so give me candy”, making them uncomfortable. Complaints from students and their families led to the calling of a panchayat meeting, where further allegations came to light. The panchayat then reported the matter to the police.