Predators in the Classroom? Gujarat School Rocked by Horrific Abuse Allegations

Junagadh, Gujarat – A chilling case of alleged indecent behavior involving the principal and a teacher at Maa Amar Educational Complex near Bhensan in Junagadh has sent shockwaves through the community and raised urgent questions about child safety in educational institutions. Disturbing CCTV footage and the harrowing testimonies of over 25 students paint a grim picture of systematic abuse, leading to immediate suspensions and arrests.

“This incident is true,” confirmed District Education Officer (DEO) Lataben Upadhyay, her voice resolute. “The students also said that they were treated indecently. The institute has been instructed to register a police complaint against both the accused. Both have been suspended by the institute.”

The allegations, which have now been substantiated by a thorough investigation, focus on Principal Keval Lakhnotra and teacher Hiren Joshi. The DEO’s team, upon examining the institute’s CCTV footage, witnessed horrifying scenes: the principal is seen approaching students’ beds, hugging them, sleeping in blankets with them, and engaging in physical touching. Some students were observed sitting on their beds while the principal’s behavior was explicitly obscene.

More than 25 students have bravely come forward, recounting their traumatic experiences. They described being called to the principal’s and teacher’s rooms late at night, having their clothes removed, their bodies touched, and enduring explicit physical contact. “We were very scared,” one student tearfully recounted, detailing how these incidents had allegedly been ongoing for the past year.

The swift action taken by authorities underscores the gravity of the situation. DySP Hitesh Dhandhaliya stated, “After the facts came to light in the investigation of the District Education Officer, both the accused were arrested for interrogation. The DVRs of the CCTV were seized. Efforts are on to register a case.” He further emphasized, “The investigation has been taken forward by collecting evidence from CCTV footage. The accused will be punished as per the law. There will be no compromise in any way.”

The scandal has brought shame to the Maa Amar Educational Complex, with committee member Punarvadas Bapu condemning the alleged acts. “This incident is also shameful for us,” Bapu stated. “There will be no compromise. All action will be taken to ensure that the culprits are punished severely. We will make necessary changes to ensure that the future of the children in the institution is safe.”

Initially, parents expressed hesitation in filing a police complaint, reportedly influenced by institutional administrators who suggested it could negatively impact the children’s future. However, the seriousness of the allegations prompted immediate intervention from the District Child Protection Department and the Education Department. Two students, including two who are blind, were temporarily relocated to Junagadh Children’s Home for their safety and for further legal proceedings.

The custody of the affected children has since been handed back to their parents by the Social Security Department, with ongoing monitoring by the institution. Counseling sessions for the school children are underway, and the District Collector has instructed that any additional victims also receive counseling.