A formal complaint has been lodged with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking urgent intervention in an alleged case of sexual abuse involving minor girl students at a government school in Andhra Pradesh’s Annamayya district.
The complaint, submitted by the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), pertains to allegations against a biology teacher, Zakir Basha Shaik, posted at the Zilla Parishad High School in Tarigonda village under Gurramkonda mandal. The petition alleges that multiple minor students were subjected to sexual harassment by the teacher.
According to the submission, testimonies of the victims were recorded on video and attached as evidence. The students reportedly accused the teacher of inappropriate physical contact and other acts of sexual misconduct. The complaint states that the testimonies indicate psychological distress among the children and call for immediate legal action.
The organisation also alleged procedural lapses on the part of school authorities. It stated that parents initially reported the matter to the school headmaster, but the incident was not immediately conveyed to the police as required under Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Instead, the issue was allegedly escalated internally within the education department.
The complaint further noted that failure to report child sexual offences attracts penal consequences under Section 21 of the POCSO Act.
Police in Gurramkonda have reportedly registered an FIR in connection with the case, while the accused teacher is said to be absconding.
Allegations of administrative negligence were extended to district education officials, with the petition claiming that the District Educational Officer did not promptly inform law enforcement or district authorities despite being aware of the allegations.
LRPF also flagged alleged intimidation of victims’ families, claiming that local political actors were exerting pressure to prevent formal complaints, thereby hindering the investigation.
In its plea, LRPF has urged the NHRC to take suo motu cognisance, ensure protection for the victims and their families, monitor the probe, initiate action against erring officials, and facilitate compensation, counselling, and rehabilitation for the affected minors.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
