4th Oct 2024 10:10:PM State
Eastern Sentinel Arunachal News

APWWS calls for zero tolerance against child abuse

 

ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Oct 4:  Adding to the increasing graph of sexual offences against minors of late, police have arrested a teacher of a Naharlagun based school for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor student.
Justin Saroh, a 38-year-old teacher from Eleazer School in Naharlagun, has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student. The accused was taken into custody following a complaint filed by the victim's elder sister at the Women Police Station in Itanagar.
The victim, a class 9 student, reported that the teacher had inappropriately touched her and threatened her with dire consequences when she resisted. The complaint was filed on September 20 last and an FIR was immediately registered. The police swiftly acted on the case, arresting the accused the very same day.
The case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused has been remanded to police custody and later placed under judicial custody after being produced before the Special Judge (POCSO) in Yupia.
The investigation, led by Inspector Nich Rupa, is ongoing, with the team gathering evidence and interviewing hundreds of students to determine if there are additional victims. Superintendent of Police, Rohit Rajbir Singh praised the investigation team's professionalism and dedication, emphasising the importance of safeguarding children.
This incident comes after recent reports of sexual assaults on minors in the region, including the arrest and death penalty awarded to a hostel warden for assaulting six boys and 15 girls at a residential school in Shi Yomi district. The police have urged anyone with information or concerns to come forward and assist the authorities.
Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) strongly condemned the actions of any teacher involved in inappropriate behaviour, especially when teachers are entrusted as custodians of children.Such acts are not only a gross violation of trust but also deeply harms the children they are meant to protect and nurture, it said.
The APWWS appealed to the concerned District Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) to take swift action in sensitising teaching faculties and staff across all schools to ensure the prevention of any form of sexual abuse. This includes implementing stringent guidelines and conducting regular awareness programs to create safe environments for children in educational institutions.
“Our concerns particularly extend to children in rural schools where access to authorities is limited, and they are often left vulnerable due to a lack of resources. We strongly urge the administration to prioritise these areas and ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place for children to report any misconduct. It is critical that a strong message be sent out, emphasising zero tolerance for child abuse and safeguarding the rights and well-being of all children,” said President APWWS, Kani Nada Maling.


Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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