Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri in the centre. Photo Credit: X@DC_Ranchi
Girls of a middle school in Ranchi have accused a teacher of sexual harassment. The students alleged that the teacher would make them video calls and ask them to undress, and ask them out.
More than 15 students sent anonymous letters to the Education Secretary and complained.
After the matter went viral, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri posted a message on X saying, “Taking cognizance of the described complaint, instructions have been given to the District Education Officer (DEO) and the District Education Superintendent (DSE) to investigate the matter.”
Many students accused the school’s principal of covering up the incident, saying when they informed the school about the teacher, the principal warned him and tried to suppress the matter.
“I got information that a teacher has molested the girls and WhatsApp messages have also been exchanged which were offensive and indecent,” Ranchi DEO Vinay Kumar said.
“I strongly condemn the incident. A three-member committee has been formed to probe the matter. We will register a case against the teacher under POCSO Act. There is a need to take strict action to send a message among the other teachers, be it government or private, that they cannot escape if they are engaged in such acts,” he added.
DEO and DSE Badal Raj visited the school and spoke to the principal and the students. The teacher is absconding, and his phone is switched off. Mr. Raj has told the school’s principal not to grant leave to any teacher until the investigation is over.
Published – August 21, 2025 12:53 am IST
