Pvt. school staff booked for harassing five minor girls in Kalaburagi

A staff member of a private school in Kalaburagi has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for inappropriate behaviour with five minor girls.

The 60-year-old accused Dawood was named in a complaint lodged by the parents of the students who said that he had acted inappropriately with them and harassed them on multiple occasions.

The incident reportedly came to light after the children expressed reluctance in attending school, prompting their parents to question them and subsequently, approach the police.

Based on the complaint, the University Police registered a case under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and produced the accused before court. He, however, has been granted bail.

Meanwhile, members of a woman’s organisation, led by social activist Shahnaaz Akhtar, submitted a memorandum to the Police Commissioner urging the authorities to seek cancellation of the accused’s bail and to ensure stringent legal action against him.

Human Rights activist Riyaz Khateeb also demanded that serious charges be invoked against the accused and that he be awarded strict punishment, stating that the incident has raised serious concern about the safety and security of girl students in educational institutions.

Activists also expressed disappointment over the court’s decision to grant him bail.