Haryana: Gurukul chief, who molested girls in his room, arrested
What's the story
In yet another incident which sheds light on how we are failing our children, a 'gurukul' chief was arrested and sent to judicial custody on Wednesday for abusing minors living in the institute. The chief named Krishananand was running the gurukul in Hansi, Haryana, and his actions came to light after a girl complained to her parents. Soon, other girls spoke up too.
Allegations
One girl tells parents about alleged abuse, more cases follow
The gurukul housed around 350 girls, and the harassment caught attention when one of the students told her parents that Krishananand used to call girls to his room and molest them. The parents then contacted police, and later 11 girls complained about molestation by the accused. On Wednesday, a police team visited the institute, and the accused reportedly didn't cooperate.
Investigation
Case under relevant sections of IPC, POCSO filed
When a team led by Hansi Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Narender Kadian visited the gurukul and asked the accused to hand over keys for further investigation, he didn't cooperate. A case against the abuse was registered under IPC Section 354 and Section 10 of the POCSO Act. The accused was remanded to two weeks of judicial custody.
Defense
Meanwhile, gurukul's Principal claims girls are seeking revenge
SP Virendra Vij said girls alleged assault was happening for the last 10-15 days when the accused used to call them in their rooms on the pretext of head or body massages. Notably, the principal of the gurukul was in Haridwar when the incident played out. About the accusations, she said girls were taking revenge after some letters they wrote to boys were discovered.