By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Bengaluru: A district court has granted anticipatory bail to the principal of a prestigious residential school in South Bengaluru in a case filed over allegations of ragging and sexual harassment involving a Class 10 student. The incident, which reportedly took place last week, also names eight other people, including a hostel warden.
FIR and arrests
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Among the accused, the hostel warden was arrested last week, while the 61-year-old principal, named as the eighth accused, sought anticipatory bail.
The district court granted interim bail to the principal on Friday, citing “exceptional facts and circumstances involved in the case.” The principal has assured full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Details of the alleged incident
The student, who had joined the South Bengaluru school this year after studying in a boarding school in Maharashtra, alleged that he was targeted by Class 12 students over a period of four days. According to the complaint, the victim was allegedly forced to dance without clothes and subjected to sexual harassment.
A classmate of the victim reportedly informed the student’s parents, following which a police complaint was lodged. The complaint also alleges that the hostel warden did not act on the student’s grievances. Relatives of the victim stated, “The student is in shock. It will take time to recover.”
Principal’s stance
The principal contended that the only allegation against her was her failure to take immediate action despite being informed about the alleged ragging. She reiterated her willingness to cooperate with the investigation and highlighted that she was not directly involved in the incidents.
The case has drawn attention to ragging and safety in residential schools, prompting police and judicial authorities to ensure a thorough investigation. The anticipatory bail for the principal allows her to remain free while cooperating with ongoing legal proceedings.
