NEET Aspirant Assaulted by Teachers; Two Arrested
Introduction
A shocking case has emerged in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where a minor NEET aspirant, originally from Fatehpur, was allegedly held captive and repeatedly raped by two of her teachers at a leading coaching institute over a span of six months.
The Assault
The victim, who was just 17 at the time, moved to Kanpur to prepare for the medical entrance examination and lived in a hostel.
The horrific ordeal began in December 2022 when her biology teacher, Sahil Siddiqui, invited her to a New Year’s party, misleading her into believing that other students would be present. Upon arrival, she found that she was alone with Siddiqui, who drugged her drink with sedatives before sexually assaulting her while recording the act. During her time in captivity, she was repeatedly raped and threatened with exposure if she spoke up.
The abuse continued when her chemistry teacher, Vikas Porwal, sexually assaulted her a few months later. Fearing for her family’s safety, the victim did not report the incidents until she saw a video of Siddiqui assaulting another student, which prompted her to come forward. Her mother eventually visited Kanpur and took her home, which gave the victim the courage to approach the police.
Are we getting desensitized to the word "Sexual Assault"?
With thousands of Nirbhayas, one after the other, from the nook and corner of our country, have our ears gone dumb?
The audacity to rape his student, record a video and yet repeat the whole vicious crime with his colleague is nerve wrecking!
It's time the laws should be made strict and severe. And let the temple of learning hold its prosperity forever without those monsters dressed up as a master.
Teachers Arrested Under POCSO and IPC Charges
Authorities have since arrested Siddiqui and Porwal, and an FIR has been registered against both accused teachers under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, as well as various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These include Section 328 (causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit an offense), Section 376(2)(n) (committing rape repeatedly on the same woman), Section 344 (wrongful confinement for 10 or more days), and Section 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), as stated by ACP (Kalyanpur) Abhishek Kumar Pandey.
This harrowing incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of students in educational environments and the need for better protective measures.
Can't even imagine that the future of the nation is in such hands! It breaks my heart to hear and see that the aspirants including the front line workers are meeting such a fate and the soil is still nourished by such people. It's high time to lift the veil and call spade a spade.
Addressing Harmful Societal Norms Enabling Violence
In conclusion, the tragic case of the 17-year-old NEET aspirant in Kanpur highlights the urgent need to address the societal norms and structures that enable sexual violence. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the pervasive attitudes and behaviors that often go unchecked, allowing such abuses to occur. It is essential to recognize that these issues are not isolated; they stem from deeply ingrained beliefs and practices that devalue individuals, particularly women and marginalized groups.
This grave case reveals a deep troubling lapse in students' protection within their own educational institutions, which on a day-to-day basis is said to be their 2nd home!! This horrific case underscores an urgent need for rigorous safeguarding and accountability to prevent such devastating abuses in the future !!
To create a safer environment for all, we must focus on empowering individuals through education and resources, promoting a culture of respect and accountability. Each of us has a role to play in challenging harmful narratives and advocating for transformative change. As we reflect on this tragedy, let us commit to fostering a society that prioritizes consent, safety, and dignity, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their aspirations without fear. Only by engaging in this critical work can we hope to eradicate the roots of violence and create a future free from such horrors.
This incident has shocked the nation, such an act by the teachers itself is shameful for the whole education system of our country. Cases like these become a hurdle in our goal of- "Beti bachao,Beti padhao" as it forces the parents to think about twice before sending their daughter out of their house for even studying.
