Lakhimpur: FIR against JNV teacher for ‘molesting’ Class 7 student

An FIR has been registered against a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya teacher in Lakhimpur district for allegedly groping a Class 7 girl student.

The case, registered under sections 354 and 7/8 of the POCSO Act, was lodged at Mitauli police station on Tuesday, said Pradeep Singh, circle officer, Mitauli in Lakhimpur district.

The incident reportedly took place on April 17. A team led by Singh reached the school to investigate the case on Wednesday.

On April 19, the Class 7 student complained to school principal Anita Kumari alleging molestation by her teacher during one of the classroom sessions on April 17, police said. Principal Anita Kumar formed a committee headed by vice-principal Abha Shukla and sought an inquiry report.

Following the report, the girl’s complaint was forwarded to Mitauli police, who registered an FIR. The school-level inquiry into the incident has been completed and the report has been submitted to the regional office of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti for further investigation.

“The accused teacher has been asked to report to JNV Badayun instead of the Mitauli school till the probe is on. Another committee has been formed to look into the matter at the regional office level,” said G Chandramauli, assistant commissioner of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.

“A copy of both the school inquiry and the regional office inquiry will be sent to Delhi headquarters. A panel will study both the reports. If proven guilty, the accused teacher can be terminated,” Chandramauli added.