School Director Arrested for Alleged Sexual Harassment of Tribal Student in Navsari
In a disturbing incident from Vansda taluka in Navsari district, the director of a residential school has been arrested for the alleged sexual harassment of a Class 11 tribal girl. The accused, aged 25, is also reported to be the son of the school's trustee, adding a layer of institutional concern to the case.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to the complaint filed by the victim, the incident unfolded after the school warden discovered a mobile phone in the girl's bag. The warden referred the matter to the director for further action. When the girl went to meet the director regarding this issue, he allegedly touched her inappropriately, as stated in her official complaint to the authorities.
Legal Action and Charges
The Vansda police acted swiftly on the complaint, arresting the accused late on Thursday night. He was subsequently produced before a court, which remanded him in police custody until February 23 to facilitate further investigation.
The police have pressed serious charges under multiple laws:
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act 2012 (POCSO), which specifically addresses sexual crimes against minors.
- Relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, highlighting the tribal background of the victim and the need for enhanced legal protection.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about safety in educational institutions, particularly for vulnerable groups such as tribal students. The involvement of a school director, a figure in a position of trust, has raised alarms about accountability and the enforcement of protective measures in schools across the region.
