Haryana: Gurukul students allege sodomy by seniors and staff-members
In a traumatic incident, at least six students of a Gurukul in Haryana's Rohtak have alleged their seniors and staff members sodomized and threatened them for months. The horrific matter came to light when kids, mostly students of classes 5-6, were visited by their parents on Rakshabandhan. Subsequently, parents approached the police and the case was registered under relevant IPC Sections and POCSO Act.
Students were harassed in sleep, authorities punished them instead
The students told their parents they were harassed while they slept in their hostels. Not only this when they informed Gurukul authorities about this, no action was taken. Instead, the kids were punished. The authorities warned students against discussing it with anyone. Reportedly, an acharya said students employed such measures to escape the institution. He stressed that only a police investigation will reveal the truth.
Case registered under relevant sections of IPC and POCSO Act
Rohtak Sadar police station in-charge, Manjeet Kumar said an FIR was registered against seniors and staff members under IPC Sections 202 (hiding information), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation), 34 (crime committed by many with same intention) and 377 (unnatural offenses); and Section 4 of POCSO Act. The victims have been sent for medical examination. He added further investigation is underway.
Investigation has started
CWC says will find out if there are more victims
Meanwhile, the district child welfare committee (CWC) said the victims will be counseled. Chairperson of CWC said they will try to find if there are more victims. "The CWC will provide free legal aid to the victims and get constant follow-ups from the police officials in this case," he said. Established in 1991, the Gurukul currently has nearly 160 students.
