Haryana Jind scandal: In a shocking revelation from Haryana, 142 minor girls enrolled in a government school in Jind have come forward, accusing the school principal of sexual assault spanning a horrific six-year period.The accused principal is currently in police custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.Official Probe Unveils Appalling DetailsMohammad Imran Raza, the deputy commissioner of Jind district, revealed that a probe committee, led by the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), has diligently recorded statements from 390 girls. Out of these, complaints from 142 instances of sexual assault have been forwarded to higher officials of the Education Department for necessary action. The majority of these cases implicate the principal directly, while others describe being witnesses to the alleged acts.Delayed Response and Escalating AccusationsThe distressing allegations first came to light when 15 girls penned letters to top authorities, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, detailing the harrowing acts by the principal. The Haryana Womens Commission eventually took cognisance of the matter on September 13, forwarding it to Jind Police for action.However, concerns arose over the perceived delay in police action, with an FIR filed on October 30. The accused principal was subsequently arrested on November 4, appearing before the court on November 7, which remanded him into judicial custody.Mounting Numbers and Legal CritiqueInitially, the state womens commission acknowledged 60 girls stepping forward with statements against the principal, a number that has now surged to 142. Legal experts criticised the delayed response, highlighting provisions of the POCSO Act requiring prompt FIR registration in cases of reported sexual harassment against minors.Administrative Consequences and Ongoing InvestigationThe deputy commissioner affirmed that a prima facie case was established against the principal during an investigation by district officials. A charge sheet is set to be prepared, initiating dismissal procedures and denying perks associated with the accuseds position.Additional Deputy Commissioner Harish Vasisth has been assigned to further investigate the matter. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising six members led by Additional Superintendent of Police Deepti Garg, has been formed to expedite the probe.Additional Director General of Police Shrikant Jadhav has directed the team to submit a report within 10 days and arrange counselling for the affected minor girls. The community awaits further revelations as the investigation unfolds.(With ANI Inputs)
