Garhwa headmaster booked on sexual harassment allegations

Nityanand Dubey

Garhwa

A government middle school headmaster in Jharkhand’s Garhwa district has been suspended and booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following allegations of sexually harassing and blackmailing a former Class VIII student, officials said.

The accused, identified as Sunil Kumar Pandey, was posted at a government middle school in Ketar block. The case came to light after a video, reportedly recorded about a week ago, surfaced on social media. According to reports, local residents allegedly found the headmaster inside a school room with the girl, triggering outrage in the area.

Following a complaint lodged by the victim’s family, Ketar Police registered an FIR against the accused under the POCSO Act and initiated an investigation into the allegations.

Taking serious note of the incident, Deputy Commissioner Pashupati Nath Mishra directed the District Education Officer to conduct a detailed inquiry. Based on the findings of the inquiry and the explanation submitted by the accused, the district administration suspended the headmaster with immediate effect and initiated departmental proceedings against him.

The DC said the safety, dignity and well-being of children in educational institutions remain the administration’s highest priority. He asserted that any misconduct involving students would be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law.

Police said further investigation is underway, and additional action will be taken in accordance with the findings of the inquiry.