The parents have alleged that the principal repeatedly requested them not to report the matter to higher authorities.
Photo: SNS
The alleged sexual assault of a Class I student in a private school in West Bengal’s Midnapore district has widened into a controversy over the school’s handling of the case on Monday, with the child’s parents seeking the immediate removal of the principal pending an independent inquiry.
The demand comes even as police have detained a temporary watch-and-ward employee of the school, accused of sexually assaulting the six-year-old student inside a school washroom during class hours on Friday. A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and an investigation is underway.
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According to the complaint, the child disclosed the alleged incident after returning home from school on Friday. The family immediately informed the school authorities before approaching the police and Childline. An FIR under the POCSO Act has since been registered.
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In a representation addressed to the Chairperson of the DAV College Managing Committee (DAV CMC), the parents have sought the immediate removal of Principal N.K. Goutam from administrative duties until the completion of the investigation, claiming that his continuation in office could undermine the credibility of the inquiry.
The parents have alleged that after being informed of the incident, the principal repeatedly requested them not to report the matter to higher authorities or discuss it publicly. They claimed such conduct caused further mental distress and eroded their confidence in the school’s response.
The representation also alleged that several guardians had previously brought complaints concerning the accused employee to the notice of the principal. If substantiated, the parents argued, the allegations would point to serious administrative failures and shortcomings in implementing child safety measures within the institution.
They further questioned why the accused staff member was allegedly allowed to continue performing duties that brought him into close contact with students.
The parents have urged the DAV College Managing Committee to institute an independent inquiry into the incident and strengthen child protection mechanisms through stricter background verification of staff, enhanced CCTV surveillance in common areas, regular sensitisation programmes for employees, and stricter enforcement of child safety protocols.
The incident has also triggered concerns among school employees. A senior female support staff member, who claimed to have worked at the school for nearly 30 years, alleged that she had earlier been entrusted with assisting young children, including supervising washroom use, but was reassigned after the present principal took charge.
“For many years we looked after the younger children. After the present principal joined, our duties were changed. I have now been assigned to the second floor,” she said, adding that support staff had long assisted children with routine needs and wanted a fair investigation into the incident.
“We also want the matter to be resolved. We are afraid too,” she said.
Another employee alleged that after the current principal assumed office, the duty hours of non-teaching staff were extended.
Some parents also expressed dissatisfaction with the school’s administration, alleging that communication between guardians and the principal had become increasingly restricted.
“Earlier, parents could meet and speak to the principal whenever necessary. Now even that has become difficult,” one guardian claimed.
Following the incident, a large number of parents assembled again outside the school on Monday demanding accountability. Earlier, on Friday, parents demonstrated agitation in front of the school gate. Police were deployed on the campus to maintain order before taking the accused into custody.
The school management has said that the accused employee has been removed from service and has sought the strictest punishment against him under the POCSO Act.
Police said the investigation is in progress. The allegations made by the parents against the principal are also likely to form part of the broader inquiry. The school principal has not publicly responded to the allegations.
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