THE GOAN NETWORK
VALPOI
Parents of a Class 10 girl student of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Valpoi, have alleged that their daughter was sent out of the school hostel and left by the roadside in the wee hours of October 3.
The girl’s mother has filed a complaint at the Valpoi police station, demanding a thorough inquiry into the incident.
According to the complaint, the parents received a call from the school at around 4.35 am on October 3, asking them to come and take their daughter home. The parents claimed they were not given a satisfactory explanation and said the early-morning call caused further concern.
They alleged that school authorities brought the student to the Housing Board area at Sanquelim at around 5.28 am and left her by the roadside instead of taking her safely home.
The mother later met the school principal seeking an explanation as to why the student had been sent away, why she was not taken home safely and what prompted the decision. However, the parents alleged that they did not receive a satisfactory explanation and were told that a school leaving certificate would be issued to the student.
When contacted, the school principal completely rejected the allegations.
The principal stated that JNV functions according to established guidelines, with separate hostels for boys and girls and teachers appointed to supervise them. Students are required to obtain permission before leaving the hostel during designated hours.
However, three girl students suddenly went out of the hostel in the early hours without obtaining permission, the principal said.
The principal explained that since the campus is located in a forested area inhabited by wild animals, leaving the hostel without permission at midnight or in the wee hours could pose a serious safety risk.
After the incident was investigated, the explanations given by the students were not found satisfactory. Therefore, the school followed the prescribed procedure and sent the students home, the principal said.
The principal maintained that the parents’ allegations were completely baseless and that action was taken strictly according to rules to maintain discipline and ensure student safety.
An inquiry committee has been constituted to ensure a transparent investigation. The principal said that once the committee submits its report, copies will be provided to the Valpoi police, district collector, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and the parents concerned.
