Teacher Arrested in Himachal Pradesh for Alleged Misconduct with Students
Allegations Against a Teacher in Solan
Munish Sood
SOLAN/MANDI: Authorities in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district have apprehended a 53-year-old teacher from a government school following serious allegations of inappropriate behavior towards female students.
The individual, identified as Iqbal Bhatia, was employed at a primary school situated along the Kunihar-Nalagarh Road. Concerns arose when multiple families reported noticeable changes in their daughters' behavior, with some as young as six years old expressing reluctance to attend school and discomfort with their uniforms.
One mother lodged a formal complaint on June 13, stating that her seven-year-old daughter, a Class 3 student, had shared alarming details regarding the teacher's conduct in class. Parents have claimed that the teacher fostered a climate of fear, threatening academic repercussions to silence students about the incidents.
This situation has raised significant alarm within the local community. A group led by Rumit Thakur, affiliated with a social organization, approached the Kunihar police station's SHO, demanding the immediate termination of the teacher and stringent legal measures.
Thakur emphasized, “This issue transcends an individual case; it’s crucial to safeguard our children and restore faith in the educational system,” urging authorities to act decisively through thorough investigations and legal proceedings.
Reports indicate that this is not the first instance of controversy surrounding the teacher. In 2018, he faced a separate case regarding public conduct at the Arki police station. Despite earlier complaints, no substantial disciplinary measures had been implemented until now.
The police have confirmed the arrest and are currently conducting an investigation under relevant legal provisions. The Kunihar SHO stated, “We are in the process of gathering statements and thoroughly examining the situation. The safety of the affected students is our utmost priority, and we are collaborating with child welfare authorities as necessary.”