Principal of Devanahalli residential school, among three arrested in POCSO case

Three persons— the owner, principal, and a teacher of a residential school in Devanahalli — have been arrested in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a minor student, police said on Saturday.

The accused have been identified as the school’s owner, Dhananjay, his wife, Shailaja, the principal of the institution, and a teacher, Tabassum. The arrests came after a case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, with allegations of sexual harassment and attempts to suppress the matter.

According to police, Dhananjay allegedly entered the girls’ dormitory late at night in an intoxicated state and sexually harassed a minor student. The residential institution reportedly houses more than 700 students. Authorities, however, clarified that, at present, only one victim has formally come forward and recorded her statement.

Police said the matter came to light after the minor confided in her parents about the alleged abuse. The parents subsequently approached the local police station and lodged a formal complaint.

Based on the complaint and a preliminary inquiry, a case was registered under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012, and the three accused were taken into custody.

Investigators said they are examining whether there are additional victims. Police added that the scope of the investigation will be expanded if more complaints are received.