Police Register Case Against Alleged Sexual Assault on Minor Students in North Kashmir

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday booked a teacher for alleged sexual misconduct against minor students in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, officials said.

A police spokesperson in a statement said, “District Police Kupwara registered a Case FIR No. 96/2024 U/S 75 Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and Sections 9, 10, and 17 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, following a written complaint from two residents of Dardpora. The complaint alleges that Showkat Ahmad Bhat, a teacher(school name withheld) , has engaged in sexual misconduct with minor female students over recent days.”

The police spokesman further said that as per the complaint, the accused teacher allegedly used opportunities within the school premises to commit acts of sexual molestation by taking the minor girls to a separate room. “Approximately seven students are reported to have disclosed these incidents to their parents, which prompted the filing of the formal complaint at Police Station Kralpora.”

“In accordance with established procedures, an investigation was immediately initiated. Preliminary findings indicate that Showkat Ahmad Bhat may have committed aggravated sexual assault, as alleged, and further reveal the involvement of another individual, Sajad Ahmad Mir, who has also been detained as an alleged accomplice in the matter,” it adds.

(This story, as it is, published by Kashmir Life)