Bageshwar Teacher Faces FIR for Alleged Abuse of 8-Year-Old Student at Ashram
Police in Bageshwar district have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a 21-year-old teacher for allegedly abusing and assaulting an eight-year-old student at a Kausani-based ashram. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has sparked outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into the safety standards of the residential facility.
Distressed Phone Call Leads to Discovery of Injuries
The victim, identified as Daksh Joshi, had been studying at Anamayi Ashram since October 24 of last year. His mother, Deepa Joshi, a resident of Haldwani, stated that her son maintained regular contact with the family. During a routine phone call on Tuesday, Daksh sounded distressed and urgently requested his mother to visit the ashram and review CCTV footage from his classroom.
Upon arriving at the ashram, Deepa Joshi allegedly found multiple injury marks on her son's head, forehead, and back, some of which were bleeding. She immediately filed a complaint with the local police, leading to the registration of the FIR.
Police Action and Legal Charges
Kausani Station House Officer Kailash Negi confirmed that an investigation is currently underway. The boy was sent for a medical examination to document the injuries. Based on Deepa Joshi's complaint, police have charged the teacher, Krishna Chamola, under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The charges include BNS Section 115 for voluntarily causing hurt and Section 352 for intentional insult. Additionally, provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act have been invoked due to the victim's minor status. SHO Negi emphasized that further action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the investigation.
Child Welfare Committee to Conduct On-Ground Inquiry
In response to the serious allegations, members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) are scheduled to visit Anamayi Ashram on Thursday. They will conduct an on-ground inquiry to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident and evaluate the overall functioning and safety protocols of the ashram.
The ashram, founded by a Swiss national, operates as a residential educational institution where students reside on campus in a hostel-like setting. This incident has drawn significant attention from local organizations and community members, who are demanding a comprehensive probe into the establishment's practices to ensure the well-being of all children enrolled there.
Authorities have assured that the case is being handled with utmost seriousness, and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure justice for the young victim and his family.
