The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday issued notice to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh over alleged sexual exploitation of 13 girl students at a government school of Shahjahanpur district in the state.
Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report that a Computer Instructor allegedly sexually exploited 13 girl students in the age group of 12-16 years, the Commission observed that the contents of the media report, if true, amounted to violation of human rights of the victims.
The Commission called for a detailed report from the government functionaries within six weeks in the matter, stating action taken against the perpetrators, current status of the investigation, and the status of counseling and statutory relief provided to the victim girls.
NHRC said it would like to know about the status of compensation paid to the victims/families so far and whether any counseling has been provided to the girl students, who were reportedly scared and hesitant to attend the school after the incident.
The Commission further suggested the state government to issue proper guidelines to all the schools falling under its jurisdiction, directing them to ensure that there was no delay or attempt to conceal the facts of any untoward incident on part of the school authorities to the police, so that the perpetrators in such cases were nabbed without any delay.
As per the media report, the victims told their parents about the incident, after which they informed the police and the accused was arrested. Two other teachers have been suspended in the matter, as they allegedly knew about the incident, but did not take any action. The report added that the incident has shattered the confidence of girls.