A government school in Bihar’s Nawada district has come under scrutiny after several girl students accused their headmaster of inappropriate behaviour and unwanted physical contact.
The allegations led to an uproar at the school, police intervention and the arrest of the headmaster under provisions including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Students Come Forward With Allegations
The incident was reported at the Upgraded Middle School in Anandpura, under Nawada Sadar block. According to reports, students from Class 8 alleged that the headmaster, identified as 52-year-old Mahesh Prasad Yadav, behaved inappropriately with them.
One student reportedly alleged that she was subjected to inappropriate touching when she went to the headmaster's office to collect examination material. Other students then came forward with allegations of similar behaviour.
Some students also alleged that the headmaster had previously pulled their hair, touched them inappropriately and, according to multiple reports, picked them up or made them sit on his lap.
Reports also carried an allegation that he would look toward the bathroom area when girls were using it. These claims are allegations and remain subject to investigation.
Anger Spreads Across the School
After the allegations became known, students and local residents gathered at the school. The situation reportedly became tense, with the headmaster being confined to his office while police were called to the scene.
Police teams reached the school and worked to control the situation before taking the headmaster to the police station. Some reports said there was damage to school property during the disturbance.
POCSO Case and Arrest
Police registered a case based on the students' complaints, with charges including molestation and provisions of the POCSO Act. The headmaster was subsequently arrested, and further legal proceedings are underway.
The case has also raised broader questions about how schools handle complaints involving children and whether students have safe, accessible channels to report inappropriate behaviour.
The allegations against the headmaster have not been established as facts by a court. The investigation and judicial process will determine what occurred and whether the accused is legally responsible.