SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 14: The Jharkhand Abhivawak Mahasangh began a hunger strike on Tuesday at Randhir Verma Chowk, demanding strict action under the POCSO Act against the principal of Carmel School, Digwadih, for allegedly humiliating girl students.
The protest is being led by the organization’s president, Pappu Kumar Singh, alongside general secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, Madhurendra Kumar, and other office bearers. The group has vowed to continue the hunger strike until the principal is held accountable.
Forced Disrobing at Carmel School
The protest stems from allegations by parents that on January 9, the principal of Carmel School forced 80 Class X girl students to remove their shirts as punishment for celebrating “Pen Day.” The students were reportedly made to leave the school premises wearing only their blazers.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, especially after the school principal was cleared of any wrongdoing by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Rajesh Kumar late Monday evening.
Also Read- Undressing girl students in Jharkhand: Carmel School management strips principal of administrative powers
Clean Chit Sparks Outrage
Leaders of the Abhivawak Mahasangh have condemned SDM Rajesh Kumar’s decision to exonerate the principal, despite a joint investigation conducted by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), the district administration, and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
While SDM Kumar absolved the principal, both the DLSA secretary and the CWC chairman, Uttam Mukherjee, referred the case to higher authorities. Reports have been sent to the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights for further action.
Allegations of Bias in the Investigation
The Abhivawak Mahasangh has accused the district administration, particularly SDM Rajesh Kumar, of bias and mishandling the investigation. The group claims that the voices of parents, students, and local lawmakers demanding justice were ignored.
The district’s Deputy Commissioner, Madhvi Mishra, had set up the investigation committee following pressure from parents, students, and local MPs and MLAs. However, the organization alleges that local officials have shielded the school and its principal instead of ensuring justice.
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Women’s Candle March for Justice
In a show of solidarity with the hunger strike, women from the coal city organized a candle march under the banner of Khushio Ki Udan on January 13.
The march, which took place from Koyla Nagar Subhash Chowk to the Durga Mandir roundabout from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, demanded justice for the affected students. Protesters called for an FIR to be lodged against the principal under the POCSO Act, a fair investigation, and the de-recognition of Carmel School.
The candle march was led by Santosh Anand and joined by activists and community members, including Sarita Singh, Manju Pandey, Niharika Singh, Mamta Singh, Anita Sharma, Anjali Kalyani, Rashmi Sahay, Jaya Srivastava, Kiran Gupta, Poonam Singh, Sadhna Singh, Rima Singh, and Anita Jha.
The hunger strike and protests continue, with growing demands for accountability and justice for the students of Carmel School.
