Siliguri, 29th July: A third-grade student at a school in Siliguri’s Pradhan Nagar area was allegedly sexually harassed by a school cleaner, sparking outrage and tension. The accused cleaner, identified as Pappu Basfor, has been arrested by Pradhan Nagar Police. However, the school authorities, particularly the headmaster, are facing severe criticism for their handling of the incident.
The alleged incident occurred on Monday in the school’s washroom in Siliguri. The student reported the sexual harassment by the school cleaner to her teacher. The headmaster was subsequently informed and arranged a meeting with the student’s parents. Shockingly, the school authorities did not report the matter to the Pradhan Nagar police on Monday.
Parents allege that the school administration attempted to cover up the incident. On Tuesday, after other parents learned of the harassment, they gathered at the school and protested against the headmaster. Under pressure from parents and locals, the school finally reported the incident to the Pradhan Nagar Police. Following this, parents apprehended the accused at the school and handed him over to the police.
Parents have expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the headmaster’s role since the incident, questioning why the police were not informed on Monday. Some parents have also filed a complaint against the headmaster with the police.
The headmaster, however, stated that his intention was to catch the accused red-handed, as he feared the suspect might flee if the incident became public knowledge too soon.
Local Councillor Gargi Chatterjee also visited the school after learning of the incident. She told reporters that the school authorities should have informed the police immediately on Monday, emphasizing the need for prompt action in such serious matters. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.