NHRC notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary and the Police Commissioner over the reported sexual assault of a minor student in an MCD school by the Sports Teacher

New Delhi, 10th February, 2023

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a minor girl studying in third standard in an MCD School in East Delhi was subjected to rape by a Sports Teacher of the school.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of human rights violations of the victim. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi, and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi to submit a report within four weeks. The report should include the action taken against the responsible teacher, the current status of the investigation, and the status of the counseling and statutory relief provided to the victim girl.

The report must also contain whether State or Delhi Legal Service Authority has awarded compensation to the victim irrespective of trial taking place or offender was traced or identified in terms of Section 357(4) Cr.PC, if yes, the quantum of compensation.

Issuing the notices, the Commission has further observed that the teachers play a vital role in everyone’s life as they are the real protectors and guides of their students as well as true craftsmen to make a safe environment for the young generation. Such incidents tarnish the image of the schools and teachers and create an atmosphere of insecurity in society. The delinquent teacher indeed deserves strict action against him. Steps are necessary to be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.

According to the media report, carried on 9th February, 2023, the family members of the victim girl noticed that the girl was not behaving in a normal manner for the last four-five days and was not eating well. The change in her behavior forced the mother to ask her the reason. After continuous questioning, the girl told her mother that the school sports teacher takes her to a room in the school and sexually assaults her. He also threatened the girl with dire consequences if she revealed the matter to anyone.

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