Karnal school head booked for sexual assault on 11 minor girls

A 54-year-old headmaster of a Government Primary School in Assandh block has been booked for allegedly sexually assaulting 11 minor girls, students of Classes II to IV. The accused has been identified as Dayanand. He is accused of committing inappropriate acts with girls aged between six and eight years.

The incident came to light when one of the victims mustered the courage to report the harassment to her family members, who subsequently approached the police on Thursday.

Acting on the complaint, a team from the Assandh women’s police station, along with members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), visited the school on Friday for an inquiry. During counselling sessions, 10 more girls came forward with similar allegations against the headmaster.

Umesh Chanana, chairperson of the CWC, confirmed, “After the registration of the first FIR on Thursday, we visited the school on Friday and conducted further counselling of the girls. Around 10 more girls came forward and alleged they were also sexually assaulted.”

Superintendent of Police (SP) Ganga Ram Punia said an FIR has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the SC/ST Act based on the first complaint. “Team members of the CWC conducted counselling of the girls, during which more children alleged that similar acts were committed by the headmaster. We will register another FIR on the complaint of the CWC,” the SP said, adding that counselling has been provided to the victims to help them cope with the trauma.

Emphasising the seriousness of the case, DSP Assandh, Gorakhpal Rana, said, “The case will be presented before a fast-track court to ensure speedy justice for the victims. This is an extremely serious matter. The safety of children inside educational institutions cannot be compromised.” He reiterated that strict action will be taken and that the investigation is ongoing with a priority on delivering justice without delay.

The incident has triggered outrage among parents and local residents, who gathered to demand the strictest possible punishment for the accused headmaster.