Former Gujarat School Principal Arrested on Rape Charge Involving Minor
The former principal of a residential school in Gujarat's Kutch district was arrested on Saturday for allegedly raping a minor student on multiple occasions. The arrest came a day after he was booked following a complaint filed by the girl's parents on September 25. Police are now searching for the school trustee, administrator, and hostel warden for allegedly covering up the incident, which remained hidden for over a month.
The case came to light in mid-August when a teacher discovered a pregnancy test kit in the school lobby. The hostel warden reviewed CCTV footage and found that the kit had fallen from the principal's pocket, prompting an internal investigation. The school authorities then dismissed the principal from service in August and informed the parents, sending the student home. Police confirmed the student was not found to be pregnant. The accused allegedly raped the student multiple times at an isolated location behind the hostel building.
The matter gained public attention following media reports about alleged "shady activities" at the school. When police began preliminary inquiries, school authorities submitted an application on September 24 mentioning only the kit's recovery, without disclosing the sexual assault. The Investigation Officer emphasized that educational institutes are obligated to immediately inform police of unlawful activities involving sexual exploitation of minors. Four persons—the ex-principal, trustee, administrator, and hostel warden—have been booked under BNS and POCSO Act sections.
