Headmaster sexually assaults minors in Mysuru school

MYSURU: The headmaster of a govt higher primary school in a village in Mysuru district's HD Kote taluk has been absconding for 10 days now following complaints that he had abused two girl students aged 12 and 14 in Feb.
Superintendent of police N Vishnuvardhana said two FIRs were registered against the accused, Girish, following complaints from HD Kote BEO and another from parents of a girl student. Girish stopped attending the school after the first complaint was filed on Feb 25. Parents of another girl filed a similar complaint against the headmaster on March 1.
Sources claimed the headmaster allegedly gave sedatives to the girls in mid-February before abusing the girls. He allegedly convinced the victims that sedatives were 'deworming tablets' and forced them to consume them.
Police have formed two teams to trace the accused headmaster, who joined the school as headmaster in charge of administration in August on deputation.
The school has 33 students, including 11 girls studying in classes VI to VIII, and three teachers.
BEO among 3 officers suspended by DDPI
Deputy director of public instruction (DDPI) Javaregowda ST has suspended three officers -- block education officer K Kantharaju, cluster resource person Deepa, and education coordinator Jayaram -- for dereliction of duty, negligence and lapses that led to the incident.
Vishnuvardhana and deputy commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy visited the school on Tuesday. Villagers demanded action against education officers. The girls are being examined medically and counselled, the SP stated.
Mahadeva Kote, member of Mysuru-based Child Welfare Committee, said the education department must hire counsellors or train teachers to counsel students in incidents such as these. As examinations are round the corner, CWC has allowed the victims to stay with their parents, he added.