Chhattisgarh Teacher Sentenced to Six Years for Sexual Abuse of Minors
Severe Sentencing for Teacher in Chhattisgarh
In Balodabazar, Chhattisgarh, a special POCSO court has sentenced Tilak Ram Verma, a teacher, to six years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine for committing inappropriate acts and sexual harassment against nine minor female students. The accused was serving as the principal at a government middle school located in Tipavan, under the Palari police jurisdiction. The case came to light when one brave victim confided in a teacher and her mother about her ordeal, prompting other students to come forward with their complaints against the teacher.
According to the details of the incident, Tilak Ram Verma lured one student to the staff room under the pretext of inquiring about her father's health. Once alone, he allegedly touched her back and waist inappropriately and made an indecent advance towards her chest. Distressed and frightened by this unwanted contact, the student fled the room.
Shortly after the incident, a teacher at the school conducted awareness sessions on 'Good Touch' and 'Bad Touch' for the students. She encouraged them to report any inappropriate behavior to their parents or teachers without fear. During this session, when the teacher asked if anyone had experienced any misconduct, the victim bravely shared her experience with the teacher and her mother.
Following the first victim's revelation, other students also accused the teacher of similar lewd and inappropriate actions. With nine minors stepping forward to file complaints, the case was escalated to the police. Based on the written and verbal complaints from the students, the police registered an FIR against the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections 74 and 75(1), as well as sections 8 and 9(f) of the POCSO Act, and section 3(2)(v)(k) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The police conducted a thorough investigation, gathering evidence and timely submitting the charge sheet to the court. During the lengthy trial, special public prosecutor Nisha Sharma presented a strong case, leading to the testimony of 28 witnesses. The court found the teacher guilty based on the victims' statements, medical reports, and available evidence.
The special POCSO court sentenced the accused to two years of rigorous imprisonment under the IPC and six years under section 9(f) of the POCSO Act, mandating a maximum of six years in prison. This ruling underscores the urgent need for prioritizing the safety of children in schools and educational institutions, ensuring that their complaints are taken seriously, and holding teachers accountable.