NHRC notice to the Government of Haryana over reported pregnancy of a Panipat government school girl after repeated sexual assault by her teacher. (12.07.2019)

New Delhi, 12th July, 2019

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that a class 11 student, studying in a government school in Panipat district of Haryana, was, allegedly, repeatedly raped by one of the teachers in the school and the victim is now seven months pregnant. As mentioned in the news report, the accused teacher had threatened the victim that her family members would be killed, if she disclosed the incident to anyone.

The Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Haryana calling for a detailed report in the matter within 4 weeks. The Commission would like to know about the status of the investigation of the FIR and arrest of the accused. The authorities are also expected to provide all possible assistance and support to the family of the victim to overcome the trauma and to facilitate her rehabilitation.

The Commission has observed that the reported incident is shocking and disgraceful. It can understand the trauma being faced by the victim. This is a serious issue of violation of human rights that an innocent girl, who has been betrayed by none other than her teacher, who ought to be her true protector and guide. Such a despicable and nefarious act done by the teacher cannot be accepted in a civilized society at any cost.

According to the media reports, carried today on 12.07.2019, the accused teacher used to conduct extra classes of the students in the school premises after school hours. On a particular day when the incident occurred, two other girls were also studying in the class and when they went to drink water, the accused took the victim to another room and raped her. Afterwards, the accused repeatedly raped the victim and threatened her not to disclose it to anyone. Reportedly, an FIR has been registered by the police and the raids are being conducted to arrest the accused who is still at large.

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