Fatehabad school principal accused of assaulting girl students; inquiry launched

A private school in Bhuna, Fatehabad, has come under scrutiny after shocking allegations of physical assault and inappropriate conduct against female students surfaced, triggering widespread anger across the region. The case gained momentum after a video showing the alleged thrashing of girl students went viral on social media, compelling the Education Department and district administration to intervene.

Several victims appeared before District Education Officer (DEO) Sangeeta Bishnoi on Wednesday and narrated disturbing accounts of sustained abuse. The students accused the school principal of repeated physical assault, inappropriate touching and harassment. They alleged that he used a stick to hit their buttocks and forced them to stand for long hours as punishment.

Detailing one of the most recent incidents, the students said on November 24, 13 girls from Classes 11 and 12 were summoned to the principal’s office, where two of them were allegedly beaten. The ordeal, they said, lasted from 10 am to 3.15 pm, during which they were subjected to physical and mental harassment.

Families of the victims initially withheld a formal complaint after the principal tendered an apology before a local panchayat, fearing social stigma. However, after the video went viral, parents demanded strict legal action. They said that while they had earlier tolerated physical punishment, “any violation of their daughters’ dignity would not be tolerated.”

The preliminary inquiry has also exposed major irregularities in the school’s functioning. Officials confirmed that although the school is recognised only up to Class 10, it had been illegally operating Classes 11 and 12, with 27 students enrolled.

DEO Bishnoi has constituted a four-member inquiry committee headed by BEO Nirmala Sihag and comprising principals Shivendra Sharma and Ashu Yadav, along with officials Dhasi Ram and lecturer Suman. The panel examined school records for nearly four hours on Wednesday and questioned the principal. The committee is expected to submit its report on Thursday.

The Haryana State Commission for Women has also taken cognisance of the matter, issuing notices to the Fatehabad Deputy Commissioner and the DEO, seeking a detailed report within five days.

DEO Bishnoi said that statements of all victims were recorded in the presence of their parents. “The report will be shared with the Directorate, Deputy Commissioner, and State Women’s Commission and strict action will be taken against the principal based on recommendations from the legal proceedings,” she said.

Meanwhile, AAP national nedia incharge Anurag Dhanda condemned the incident on X, calling it “brutal.” He wrote that the principal, who was expected to safeguard children, had turned into their perpetrator, and questioned the safety of children in private schools while criticising the state of education in Haryana.