SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 15: A four-member team from the Jharkhand Commission for Child Protection (Ranchi) visited Carmel School in Digwadih, Dhanbad, to investigate allegations of humiliation of Class X girl students by the school principal Sister M. Devashree during a “Pen Day” celebration.
The team, comprising Vikash Dodrajka, Ruchi Kujur, Abha Virendra, and Achikan, along with Jharia Circle Officer (CO) Manoj Kumar, interacted with the victim students and the school principal and reviewed CCTV footage from the day of the incident.
Further Investigation Required
After the investigation, team member Ruchi Kujur stated that the matter is both serious and extensive. She added that the team would revisit Dhanbad to complete their inquiry before reaching any conclusions.
Speaking to the media Ruchi Kujur stated, “This is a serious and extensive matter. We have taken the statements of the principal and the affected students but were unable to obtain comments from the parents. We will return to Dhanbad to complete the investigation as directed by the Commission.”
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Allegations of Harassment
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) directed the probe following complaints from the Jharkhand Abhivawak Mahasangh.
Parents alleged that on January 9, the principal forced 80 Class X girl students to remove their upper shirts as punishment for celebrating “Pen Day”. The students were reportedly sent home wearing only blazers without shirts underneath.
SDM’s Clean Chit Sparks Outrage
The district administration team, led by SDM Rajesh Kumar, has given a clean chit to the school principal. However, this decision has enraged parents and the Abhivawak Mahasangh, who continue to demand justice for the girls.
Anil Kumar Jain, a parent, has written to the Governor, urging a fair investigation and requesting that the principal not be exonerated until inquiries by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and NCPCR are completed.
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Parents’ Body Demands Justice
Jharkhand Abhivawak Mahasangh president Pappu Kumar Singh and general secretary Manoj Kumar Mishra have vowed to fight until justice is delivered to the affected students. “We will continue our efforts to ensure accountability and justice for the girls,” said the leaders.
