A 15-year-old Class 9 student at a government-run Morarji Desai Model Residential School in Gorlummanahalli village of Shidlaghatta taluk, Chikkaballapur district, has allegedly been sexually assaulted by school principal Eshwara Reddy. Police registered a case after the girl’s family approached them with a complaint. The alleged incident took place on September 26 at around 2:30 p.m., according to the FIR.Key HighlightsThe student is 15 years old and studies in Class 9.The school is located near the 11th Mile in Gorlummanahalli village.Principal Eshwara Reddy has been named in the police case.Police are investigating the case under the POCSO Act and other relevant law.Alleged Incident Took Place in SchoolAccording to the complaint, the alleged incident happened inside the school’s medicine room on September 26.The student had gone to the room after a Class 6 student became unwell. According to her statement, the principal allegedly called her inside the room and behaved inappropriately with her.The FIR also states that the principal allegedly threatened the girl and told her not to disclose the incident.The allegations have not been proved in court. The police investigation is still in progress.Girl Reportedly Told Classmates and ParentsAfter the alleged incident, the girl reportedly told some of her classmates about what had happened.The information later reached teachers and her family. According to the police report, the girl’s parents visited the school on September 27.The family then approached the police. Her statement was recorded on September 28 in Chikkaballapur in the presence of child welfare officials, according to the report.The case concerns a minor, so her name and other details that could identify her are not being disclosed.Police Register POCSO CaseThe complaint led to a case being registered at Dibburahalli police station in Shidlaghatta taluk."According to police, the case has been registered under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to criminal intimidation."The accused principal has been identified in the reports as Eshwara Reddy.Police have started an investigation to establish the facts and collect evidence related to the allegations. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.School Located in Gorlummanahalli VillageThe reported school is a government-run Morarji Desai Model Residential School near the 11th Mile in Gorlummanahalli village, Shidlaghatta taluk.Such residential schools provide students with education and accommodation. The Karnataka government has several Morarji Desai residential schools in Chikkaballapur district.A Karnataka government document says Morarji Desai residential schools in the district serve students from Class 6 to Class 10.Investigation UnderwayThe case has raised concern because the alleged incident involves a student at a residential school and a person holding a position of authority.Police are now examining the complaint and other available evidence. The girl’s statement and the accounts of people who may have information about the alleged incident will form part of the investigation.Authorities have not yet announced the final findings of the case.The accused is entitled to due process, and the allegations will have to be established through the investigation and legal proceedings.
