School teacher arrested on charges of raping 11-year-old; locals observe bandh seeking strict action in Karnataka's Yadrami

Kalaburagi: Yadrami station police officials on Monday arrested private school teacher Hajimalang Giniyar on charges of raping an 11-year old girl student.

It is alleged that the teacher used to retain the 6th standard student in the school even after regular classes on the pretext of tuitions by offering more marks in the examination. It is also alleged that he used to threaten her if she spoke to her parents about his sexual assaults.

The girl experienced bleeding a few months ago, which her parents initially dismissed as a sign of puberty and continued sending her to the school. It was later revealed that the bleeding was due to rape, police officials said.

The teacher reportedly took the girl to a staff room and raped her again on November 29. Following this, the girl informed her close friends who then alerted her parents.

The teacher used to hold back some students at school after regular classes and send them to their homes after a few hours.

The report has infuriated locals, who have been staging protests demanding strict legal action against the teacher. All business establishments were closed and bus services were also suspended as locals observed bandh in Yadrami town.

Students of all schools and colleges in town have also joined the protest. They also sought the deputy commissioner and local MLA to visit the school and give the assurance of protection to the students.

Tahsildar Shashikala Padagatti and other police officials have visited the protest site.

Sri Ram Sene state president Siddhalinga Swamiji of Andola Karuneshwara Mutt, BJP leader Manikanth Rathod, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike district president Vishwanath Patil, along with leaders of various organisations, took part in the protest.