‘Sir Touched Us Inappropriately’: 24 Students Accuse Himachal Teacher

A government school in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district was thrust into the spotlight after 24 female students accused their teacher of sexual harassment. The girls, aged 13-16 from classes VIII to X, reported to their principal, “Sir touched us inappropriately,” sparking outrage and swift action. The accused, a 42-year-old teacher, was arrested on June 22, exposing a grave breach of trust in the education system.

Bravery of Young Voices

The students’ courage came to light on June 20 when they collectively submitted a detailed complaint, supported by a school counselor. They described repeated incidents of inappropriate touching and suggestive comments during lessons and after-school activities over several months. The principal immediately alerted the Sirmaur police, who registered a case under Section 8 of the POCSO Act, 2012, and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, highlighting the severity of the allegations.

Swift Police Action

Following the complaint, the police detained the teacher and conducted preliminary medical examinations of the victims to corroborate their accounts. Evidence, including the accused’s mobile phone, is under forensic analysis for potential inappropriate communications. A special investigation team, headed by a female officer, is probing the case to ensure sensitivity and thoroughness. The Nahan court remanded the teacher to 14 days’ custody on June 23, with investigations ongoing to uncover any prior misconduct.

Community and Official Response

The incident has ignited fury among parents and residents, who protested outside the school demanding stricter teacher screenings. The Himachal Education Department suspended the accused and launched a statewide review of school safety measures. Counseling services have been arranged for the affected girls to address emotional trauma, while women’s organizations call for exemplary punishment to deter such crimes.

Safeguarding the Future

The bravery of these 24 students has exposed a predator, but it also highlights systemic gaps in school safety. This case demands urgent reforms, including mandatory training for educators and regular safety audits, to ensure no child endures such trauma again.