Haridwar: Teacher of VHP-run orphanage arrested for 'unnatural offences' against 12-year-old boy

HARIDWAR: A 24-year-old teacher of an orphanage-cum school run by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) was arrested by Haridwar Police on Wednesday for sexual exploitation of a 12-year-old boy. A case has been registered against him under section 377 (unnatural offences) of Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the POCSO Act.

The accused has been identified as Pradeep Kumar, resident of Dhampur of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh. The incident came to light after a video message of the student went viral on social media and was seen by a member of the Child Helpline, Haridwar, who identified the victim and approached the police. According to police, the boy was sexually assaulted by the teacher several times who threatened him of dire consequences if he spoke up.

Speaking about the matter, Rajiv Uniyal, SHO, Bahadrabad police station, said, “The teacher managed to escape after the case was registered against him. However, we nabbed him on Wednesday morning. Medical examination of the boy is being conducted and further investigation is going on.”

Meanwhile, a woman whose son is a student in the same institution also came forward on Wednesday and alleged that the arrested teacher had assaulted her sexually four months ago. She claimed that the management did not take any action despite her complaint.

Speaking to TOI, the woman said, “The teacher had asked me to come to Rishikesh, as a tour had been organised there by the school. He tried to have physical relations with me but I refused after which he started torturing my son who is a student of class III. I have complained to the school management and also gave a written complaint to police against the teacher but no case has been registered so far.”

Nitin Gautam, district president of VHP, said, “Our stand is clear on this issue. Police should conduct fair inquiry and strict action should be taken against those found guilty. As far as the school is concerned, it is being run since last 20 years and we are committed to continue working for poor children.”