Teacher accused of molesting girl in Canacona

CANACONA
Savera NGO Chairperson Tara Kerkar has accused a school teacher of molesting a girl residing at a hostel in Canacona and has demanded strict disciplinary action by the education department.
Speaking to media persons in Canacona, Kerkar said she had received information two days ago regarding an incident of molestation of a girl student by a school teacher in Canacona.
“The informant had not identified the school, but only said that a teacher is harassing girl students at a school in Canacona. On Monday, we narrowed down on a school and on making enquiries, the school headmaster informed us that an incident had taken place in the school.”
“We were informed that a girl was touched inappropriately by a teacher and the girl then reported the matter. The headmaster reportedly warned the teacher and the girl’s parents had also complained to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).”
“The headmaster also informed us that a CWC team came and recorded the statement of the girl. But I learnt that the particular school does not have a Sexual Harassment Committee as per the Vishaka Commission recommendation.”
Kerkar said there was no police complaint into the incident.
“We are also not informed if there has been any disciplinary action against the teacher or if any memo was issued, but we told the teacher is presently kept out of the school. We have been informed that the teacher concerned is politically connected,” said Kerkar.
Kerkar claimed that since such incidents tarnish the image of a school, there is a reluctance to lodge complaints.
“Even though no police complaint is registered, the schools has to ensure that the Sexual Harassment Committee addresses such issues. We will approach the CWC and will also ask the headmaster why no police complaint was filed in the matter.”
“Once we receive the complaint, we will approach education department for strict action against the teacher for the alleged molestation incident. The CWC can also take action as a complaint is already with them and they can approach the education department for action against the teacher,” Kerkar added.

J'khand native held on charges of raping minor girl in Sattari
VALPOI: Valpoi Police arrested Mohammad Sarfraz alias Raj (24) of Jharkhand on charges of raping a minor girl at Honda-Sattari.
According to police sources, the incident came to light about three days ago when the girl reported the matter to her parents.
Sources said the accused lived near the minor girl's house.
A complaint was then filed at the Valpoi police station and police arrested the accused. He was produced before a Valpoi JMFC and has been remanded to custody.
PSI Sarvesh Gaddi is conducting a further investigation under the supervision of Police Inspector Prajyot Phadte.
The incident has sparked anger among locals in the area, who have claimed that the number of migrants has been rising sharply in the last two years. They alleged that many thefts and other crimes have been linked to migrants.