Vizianagaram Coaching Centre Director Booked for Sexual Harassment of Students
The Vizianagaram district police in Andhra Pradesh have officially registered a criminal case against the director of a private coaching centre following serious allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation of women students. The accused has been identified as Saripalli Srinivasa Rao, who serves as the director of the Vinex Coaching Centre located in Vizianagaram town.
Student Protest Leads to Police Complaint
More than 30 women students, who were undergoing coaching for the DSC (District Selection Committee) examination at the centre, staged a significant protest outside the facility. The aggrieved students subsequently approached the II-Town police station in Vizianagaram to formally lodge a detailed complaint against the director.
In their complaint, the students made grave allegations, accusing Srinivasa Rao of sexually harassing multiple students over a period of time. They further claimed that the accused had sexually exploited a few women by promising them higher marks in mock tests conducted at the centre. Additionally, it was alleged that harassment occurred under the pretext of conducting private, one-on-one classes.
Police Investigation Underway
Upon receiving the formal complaint, the local police have taken swift action. The case has been transferred to the women's police station in Vizianagaram for a thorough and sensitive investigation. Preliminary police inquiries revealed that the Vinex Coaching Centre has been operational for approximately 15 years. Currently, around 80 individuals, including 75 women, are enrolled in various training programs at the institute.
The police have assured that a senior officer will be overseeing the investigation to ensure it is conducted meticulously. However, reports indicate that the accused director, Saripalli Srinivasa Rao, has been absconding since Wednesday, following the registration of the case and the ensuing public outcry. Authorities are actively working to locate and apprehend him.
This incident has sparked considerable concern within the local community and among student groups, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by students in private educational institutions. The police have urged any other potential victims or witnesses to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
