Doda, April 21 — A government school teacher in Chenab Valley’s Doda district was arrested after allegedly soliciting sexual favors from a minor girl student, warning her that he would fail her internal exams if she refused, officials said on Sunday.
The police said the case came to light after the student lodged a complaint on April 16.
“The teacher had been sending inappropriate messages, offering help in securing her admission into the medical stream at a Punjab-based college,” said a senior police officer.
The officer noted that the accused also claimed he had facilitated admissions for other girls in a similar manner.
“He warned the student not to reveal their communication to anyone, threatening that she would never pass her internal exams if she spoke up,” the officer added.
Following the complaint, a case was registered at Bhaderwah police station under sections 74 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), 75 (sexual harassment), and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The teacher has been taken into custody and remains under investigation, police added.
Moreover, the Directorate of School Education, Jammu, ordered the immediate suspension of the accused.
“The teacher is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect in terms of Jammu and Kashmir Employees Conduct Rules 1971 and Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules 1956,” read the official suspension order.
It further stated that the teacher will remain attached to the office of the Chief Education Officer, Doda, during the period of suspension.