Representative image for an arrest.
Credit: iStock Photo
Junagadh: The principal and hostel warden of a private boarding school near Bhesan town in Gujarat's Junagadh district were arrested on Monday for allegedly sexually abusing two minor students, a police official said.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Hitesh Dhandhalya identified the accused as New Alpha School principal Keval Lakhnotra and hostel warden Hiren Joshi.
"They had allegedly sexually abused two boys studying in the school and staying in the hostel on the campus. Based on a complaint given by one of the trustees of the school, an FIR was registered against Lakhnotra and Joshi at Bhesan police station today and they were arrested," the Deputy SP told reporters.
"Two minor students have alleged the duo used to sexually abuse them by touching their private parts. Two other students living in the hostel had witnessed the alleged act. Lakhnotra and Joshi have been held under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Juvenile Justice Act. We are probing if more children were abused by the duo," he said.
The issue came to light on Sunday when some parents, during a meeting with the school management and teachers, alleged their children were molested by Lakhnotra and Joshi, said District Education Officer Lataben Upadhyay.
To verify the allegations, she visited the campus with police on Monday, Upadhyay said.
"After talking to the students, it appears prima facie that two minor students were subjected to such abuse by the principal and hostel warden. It is a matter of police investigation whether more students were affected or not. Both were already dismissed from service by the trust," said Upadhyay.