She was just talking... but the teacher molested her

A teacher at a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) school in North Mumbai has been booked by police after allegedly molesting a Class 6 girl under the guise of classroom discipline. The accused is now facing legal action under multiple child protection laws.

Case Details

The incident occurred during a regular class session. The 12-year-old student was talking to a classmate when the male teacher walked over and, while pretending to discipline her, held her hand and touched her inappropriately.

The student later told police that she initially did not understand the nature of what had happened. After some time, she approached the teacher to question his behaviour. Instead of responding appropriately, the teacher allegedly hit her with a wooden ruler and slapped her twice in front of her classmates.

Child’s Disclosure and Parental Response

After returning home, the girl shared the entire incident with her parents. Shocked by what they heard, the parents immediately contacted the school administration and then filed an official complaint with the local police.

Previous Incidents Revealed

During a preliminary police inquiry, it was discovered that this was not the first time such behaviour had occurred. The teacher had allegedly acted similarly with the same student on two earlier occasions between July 5 and July 10.
This suggests a pattern of misconduct, rather than a one-time lapse.

Legal Action Taken

Based on the complaint and evidence, the Mumbai Police have registered a case against the teacher. He has been charged under the following legal provisions:

Section 74 of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) – related to cruelty toward children
Section 8 of the POCSO Act – sexual assault
Section 12 of the POCSO Act – sexual harassment of a child

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is a special law in India designed to ensure the safety and dignity of minors in all settings.

Further Investigation Ongoing

Authorities are currently verifying whether other students at the school may have experienced similar abuse by the same teacher. If more victims are identified, the investigation will be expanded accordingly.

Health and Psychological Impact

Acts of sexual misconduct even if disguised as punishment can have serious long-term effects on a child’s mental and emotional health. These may include:

Anxiety and fear of school
Shame, confusion, or emotional withdrawal
Loss of trust in teachers and authority figures
Depression or trauma-related symptoms

Early psychological support is essential. Counselling services and trauma-informed care can help children process such experiences in a safe environment.

Conclusion

This case highlights the urgent need for strict child protection measures in schools. Ensuring student safety requires timely reporting, swift legal action, and access to emotional support. Educational institutions must foster trust, uphold accountability, and prioritise the well-being of every child to prevent such disturbing incidents from recurring.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.